Emergency Response teams require portable, reliable instruments to quickly characterize hazardous materials in accidents, spills, and contaminated sites. Rapid results are vital to responder safety to determine the level of personal protective equipment (PPE) required and the appropriate clean-up actions. Photovac instruments are ideal in HazMat situations since they are lightweight, fast and easy to use. Speedy evaluation of the contamination present is also crucial to determine the hazard to the surrounding community and establish a safety perimeter around the hazardous material on the site.