What should be done immediately when staff experience a gassing incident?

In the context of a gassing incident, taking swabs of the substance is a critical step because it allows for the identification and analysis of the material involved. This action is essential for both health and safety reasons as it helps to determine the nature of the hazardous substance, which is crucial for medical assessment and potential criminal prosecution.

By collecting samples from the scene, staff can provide important information to medical personnel on the scene, who will need to understand the risks associated with exposure to the substance. Additionally, proper documentation through swabs can be vital for future investigations, helping to hold responsible parties accountable and improve response strategies for such incidents in the future.

While securing the area to prevent any further exposure or contamination is important, it is the collection of evidence that is directly tied to handling the incident effectively and ensuring the safety of all involved.