Which of the following is a key principle when isolating an area during a spill?

Isolating an area promptly during a spill is crucial to minimize the risk of further contamination and protect personnel from exposure to hazardous materials. Quick isolation helps contain the spill, preventing it from spreading to other areas where additional people might be affected or where the spill could impact equipment or environmental safety.

Timely action ensures that the situation is managed effectively and allows for the appropriate response measures, such as cleanup and decontamination, to be implemented without delay. This principle is fundamental to maintaining safety in environments where radioactive or hazardous materials are handled, thus ensuring that both worker safety and environmental protection are prioritized.

The other choices suggest delaying action or acting based on convenience or external cues, which could lead to serious safety risks and complications during an emergency response. Thus, prompt isolation is essential for effective hazard management.