Responders are generally in the midst of a hazmat contaminated area when dealing with spills. A fall within this environment can expose the worker to more danger than just bruises or broken bones. Accidental exposure to the hazmat is a definite risk. If the workers neutralize their working areas as they go, a safer response scenario is created. By quickly reducing the toxicity of hazardous materials near possible escape points, the risk of environmental contamination is substantially reduced. Since used absorbents and other contaminated materials are hazardous to handle, care must be taken to reduce the risk of accidents while handling the waste for storage and disposal. Reducing the amount and toxicity of contaminated materials generated by the spill response, greatly reduces the incidence of secondary accidents.

When neutralization is part of the response protocol, the spill is treated and the site decontaminated in ONE STEP, for faster clean ups. Manpower and equipment downtime is minimized. Prompt neutralization can minimize potential damage to surrounding equipment. Prompt neutralization can protect internal water treatment systems from "shock" upset.