- Standard Number:
OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.
November 2, 1990
Mr. Dean G. Kratz
McGrath, North, Mullin & Kratz, P.C.
Suite 100
One Central Park Plaza
222 South Fifteenth Street
Omaha, Nebraska 68102
Dear Mr. Kratz:
This is in response to your August 7, 1990, letter where you indicated that 29 CFR 1910.120 does not apply because all example conditions referenced by your client can be "absorbed, neutralized or otherwise controlled at the time of the release by employees in the immediate area, or by maintenance personnel."
The position that we presented to Mr. Larry Huston in our July 25, 1990, letter continues to be our position. Nuisance spills, minor releases, etc., which do not require immediate attention (due to lack of danger to the employees) are not considered emergencies. The quantity of product spilled does not by itself determine if an incidental spill has occurred. Variables include the type of material spilled and the location of the spill. An ordinary spill that can be safely handled by workers is not an emergency. Such employees must have the proper equipment and training under the other OSHA standards, such as the Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200). However, the examples described by Mr. Huston seem to indicate a potential for exposure of employees to hazardous substances and in amounts in excess of those that could be categorized as ordinary. Anhydrous ammonia, chlorine, and some agricultural chemicals are quite capable of creating emergency spills.
I hope this clarifies the issue. If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Sincerely,
Patricia K. Clark Director
Directorate of Compliance Programs
August 7, 1990
Ms. Patricia K. Clark
Director Designate
Directorate of Compliance Programs
U. S. Department of Labor
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Washington, D.C. 20210
Dear Ms. Clark:
I have been asked to respond to your letter of July 25 to Larry Huston wherein you advise him that Section (q) of 29 CFR 1910.120 applies to the ConAgra facilities where they (1) use anhydrous ammonia as a cooling agent, (2) manufacture, process, and store agricultural farm chemicals, and (3) use chlorine as a bleaching agent during the processing of flour for baking. Your conclusion in this regard ignores the following part of the definition of emergency response in Section (a)(3) of 1910.120:
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 release area, or by maintenance personnel are not considered to be emergency responses within the scope of this standard.
In all of the examples referred to you by Mr. Huston, hazardous substances can be "absorbed, neutralized, or otherwise controlled at the time of release by employees in the immediate area, or by maintenance personnel." Therefore, it is our opinion that 29 CFR 1910.120 does not apply under the circumstances described to you in Mr. Huston's letter of June 7, 1990.
If you have any other thoughts or suggestions on this matter, please let me know.
Sincerely yours,
Dean G. Kratz