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660 HAZWOPER for General Site Workers I
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Emergency Response Operations

Emergency-response operations respond to emergencies caused by uncontrolled releases of hazardous substances.

Emergency-response operations respond to emergencies caused by uncontrolled releases of hazardous substances.

Examples of emergency response operations include:

  • responses by properly trained employees from outside an immediate release area at a production facility,
  • trained responders from a fire department, or
  • contracted HAZMAT responders.

If employees are expected to respond to emergencies caused by uncontrolled releases of hazardous substances no matter where they occur, then you must comply with HAZWOPER 1910.120(q).

Emergency response plan. An emergency response plan must be developed and implemented to handle anticipated emergencies prior to performing emergency response operations. The plan must be in writing and available for inspection and copying by employees, their representatives, and OSHA personnel.

Responses to incidental releases of hazardous substances that can be absorbed, neutralized, or otherwise controlled at the time of release by those in the immediate release area or by maintenance personnel are not emergency response operations.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

1-11. If the employer suffers an uncontrolled release of hazardous substances and employees are tasked with responding to the emergency, which program is required by HAZWOPER requirements?