What is an emergency?

OSHA does not define an "emergency" based on any amount of hazardous substance(s) released or spilled.

Depending on the specific substance involved and the circumstances of the incident, even a "small" spill or accident may warrant emergency response.

Some situations that are likely to be emergencies requiring some level of coordinated emergency response effort, according to OSHA, include:

• High concentrations of toxic substances,
• Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) environments,
• Situations that could result in death or injury,
• Oxygen deficient atmospheres,
• Conditions that pose a fire or explosion hazard,
• Situations that required evacuation of the areas, and
• Situations that require immediate attention to protect employees in the area.

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  [OSHA Standard Interpretation— Emergency situations that fall under HAZWOPER. November 9, 1991.]

What is not an emergency?

"Incidental releases"

"...responses to incidental releases of hazardous substances where the substance can be absorbed, neutralized, or otherwise controlled at the time of the release by employees in the immediate area, or by maintenance personnel are not considered to be emergency responses within the scope of this standard."

"No hazard"

"Responses to releases of hazardous substances where there is no potential safety or health hazard (i.e., fire, explosion, or chemical exposure) are not considered to be emergency responses."

[29 CFR 1910.120(a)(3): Definition of "emergency response"]