In the event of a hazardous release, the PSO must be prepared to perform all of the following functions except:

The ability to determine the specific type of substance released is not typically a function that a PSO (Public Safety Officer) is responsible for during a hazardous release. The primary role of a PSO in such scenarios is to ensure the safety of individuals in the vicinity and to manage the emergency response appropriately.

Activating alarms is crucial to alert individuals in the area about the danger, while notifying the appropriate authorities is essential for mobilizing the relevant emergency services to address the situation. Additionally, controlling access to hazardous zones is vital to prevent further exposure and ensure that only trained personnel handle the situation.

However, identifying the exact nature of the hazardous material often requires specialized knowledge and equipment, which means that this responsibility typically falls to hazardous materials professionals or trained environmental responders rather than the PSO. Thus, while the PSO plays a critical role in emergency management during a hazardous release, determining the specific agent involved is not within their immediate tasks.