As law enforcement personnel often are the first to arrive at the scenes of accidents involving hazardous materials, their actions carry high consequences. A 1986 report cited hazardous materials training as the most urgent need among emergency response personnel--firefighters, police officers, and medical service providers. Subsequently, minimum training standards were mandated, enforced through the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). OSHA has the power to issue penalties for noncompliance. Agencies that respond to hazardous materials emergencies should develop a plan that addresses the following issues: 1) pre-emergency planning and coordination with outside parties; 2) personnel roles, lines of authority, training, and communication; 3) emergency prevention; 4) determination of safe distance ranges; 5) evacuation routes and procedures; 6) decontamination procedures; 7) emergency medical treatment and first aid; 8) critiques of response and follow-up; and 9) proper use of personal protective and emergency equipment. 13 endnotes