What is an essential action to take immediately after a pesticide spill?

Controlling the spill is crucial immediately after a pesticide spill because it helps to contain the hazardous material and prevent further environmental contamination or exposure to personnel. This action ensures that the situation is managed effectively and minimizes the risks associated with the spill. Immediate control can involve implementing containment measures such as using absorbents or barriers to restrict the spread of the pesticide, which is essential for safety.

While reporting the incident and evacuating personnel are important steps that follow, they do not directly address the immediate need to manage the spill itself. Addressing the spill helps to stabilize the situation before further actions are taken, such as notifying a supervisor or clearing the area of individuals. Therefore, taking prompt action to control the spill is a fundamental and necessary response that prioritizes safety and environmental protection.