HAZMAT Specialists are those persons who respond to releases or potential releases of hazardous materials for the purpose of controlling the release. They are more aggressive than first responders at the operations level in that they will approach the point of release to plug, patch, or otherwise stop the release of a hazardous materials substance. They are expected to use specialized chemical protective clothing and specialized control equipment. They are also specialists within certain designations to perform specialized operation to contain, confine, or mitigate hazardous substances releases.