Which of the following correctly expands the STARR protocol acronym used for chemical incident response?

• A. Secure, Telephone, Abate, Recover, Remediate
• B. Secure, Track, Assess, Rebuild, Restore
• C. Seal, Tell, Address, Recover, Rehabilitate
• D. Safe, Think, Act, Respond, Remediate

Answer: (A)

STARR describes a practical sequence of actions for chemical incident response, focusing on quickly securing the area, getting help, reducing hazard, and starting cleanup.

The expansion that fits this protocol is Secure, Telephone, Abate, Recover, Remediate. Start by making the area safe and inaccessible to prevent exposure. Then promptly contact the appropriate responders or authorities to mobilize help. Next, take immediate steps to abate the hazard—stop the release if possible, contain and control the spill, and reduce danger to people and the environment. After that, work to recover the situation by stabilizing conditions, decontaminating exposed individuals, and restoring safe operation as soon as feasible. Finally, pursue remediation to complete cleanup and environmental restoration, including proper disposal of contaminated materials and preventing recurrence.

Other options don’t match the standard actions or order of this protocol. They use terms that don’t convey the same immediate reporting, hazard reduction, and cleanup progression that STARR is designed to emphasize.