• The requirements for emergency response operations for hazardous substances releases depend on whether the release is an emergency or simply incidental.

Emergency response operations for releases of, or substantial threats of releases of, hazardous substances that are not otherwise covered by subparagraphs (a)(1)(i) through (a)(1)(iv) of 1910.120 and 1926.65 must only comply with the requirements of paragraph (q). Paragraph (q) is about hazardous substances, not just hazardous waste. Also, the term “emergency response or responding to emergencies” is defined at paragraph (a)(3).

To comply effectively with paragraph (q) of the Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) Standard, it’s necessary to have a clear understanding of the distinction between an incidental release of a hazardous substance and a release that requires an emergency response. Please see the following sections:

• Releases that are clearly incidental,
• Releases that may be incidental or an emergency depending on circumstances, and
• Releases that require emergency response regardless of circumstances.