OSHA's Emergency Response Standard, 1990 Environmental Conference Proceedings

29 CFR part 1910.120. Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response; Final Rule was issued on March 6, 1989 with an effective date of March 6, 1990. The standards covering emergency response operations for release of, or substantial threats of release of, hazardous substances without regard to the location of the hazard are contained in 29 CFR 1910.120(q).

An employer must have a written emergency response plan prior to the commencement of the emergency response operation. The employees involved in the operation must be properly trained. The training required depends upon the duties and functions to be performed by the employee. Members of the hazardous material response (HAZMAT) team must be provided with medical surveillance after they receive a baseline physical examination. Appropriate personal protective equipment must be selected and worn during the emergency response. A safety official who is knowledgeable in the operations being implemented at the emergency response site must be designated.