Which organization mandates the use of ICS at hazardous materials incidents?

The correct answer is FEMA, which stands for the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The use of the Incident Command System (ICS) during hazardous materials incidents is mandated by FEMA as part of the National Incident Management Assistance Teams (IMAT) and the National Response Framework. ICS provides a standardized approach to the command, control, and coordination of emergency response operations, ensuring that different agencies and organizations can work together effectively during significant hazardous materials incidents.

FEMA has established guidelines that dictate how incident command structures should be implemented during such emergencies. The framework promotes interoperability among diverse response teams and agencies, which is crucial in providing a coordinated and efficient response to hazardous materials incidents.

While organizations like the EPA and OSHA are involved in environmental protection and worker safety regulations, respectively, they do not have the authority to mandate the use of ICS in the same way that FEMA does. The National Response Framework, overseen by FEMA, emphasizes the integration of ICS into all levels of emergency management.