Emergency Response
New! OSHA has published a proposed rule on Emergency Response to replace the existing Fire Brigades Standard (29 CFR 1910.156). OSHA states that the new standard would address a broader scope of emergency responders and would include programmatic elements to protect emergency responders from a variety of occupational hazards. The public comment period is currently open and interested parties are encouraged to submit comments to OSHA regarding this proposed rule through June 21, 2024. Additionally, OSHA plans to host a public hearing at a future date to be determined. Please reference the NCDOL Standards Information and Activity page for more information on federal rule adoption in NC and OSHA’s Emergency Response Rulemaking page for additional information on this proposed rule.
Emergency Response
What are the hazards associated with emergency response?
The duties of an emergency responder may require making life and death decisions. The typical workday of an emergency responder can include tasks ranging from responding to a minor medical emergency to a more serious incident such as an uncontrolled release of a hazardous substance or a multibuilding fire. In performing their duties, emergency responders face numerous safety and health hazards which may lead to injury, illness, and death.
Preparing before an emergency incident plays a vital role in ensuring that employers and workers have the necessary equipment, know where to go, and know how to keep themselves safe when an emergency occurs.
What can I do to protect myself?
Employees should never attempt to respond to an emergency situation unless they have received the appropriate training and are equipped to respond to the incident.
What resources are available to assist employers?
Safety and Health Programs
A hazardous chemical emergency response plan, hazard communication program, respirator program, bloodborne pathogens exposure control plan and PPE hazard assessment can be downloaded and customized to fit an individual workplace. Other example safety and health programs are available for employers to download and adapt to their specific conditions.
Training and Outreach Services
Presentations on bloodborne pathogens, hazard communication, respiratory protection and personal protective equipment can be used for employee training. Other example presentations are available along with pre-recorded webinars which can be accessed at any time.
In addition, the education, training and technical assistance bureau provides free online safety and health training and outreach services (i.e., speaker's bureau requests, safety booths) upon request.
Further, the NCDOL Library offers free safety and health videos (including a streaming video service) and related research assistance on consensus standards (i.e., ANSI, NFPA, NEC).
Safety and Health Topics
Related resources can be found on the safety and health topic pages for hazardous waste operations and emergency response, respiratory protection, personal protective equipment, hazard communication, hazardous chemicals right to know, fire brigades and bloodborne pathogens.
Consultation Services
The consultative services bureau provides free and confidential onsite consultation regarding worksite safety and health hazards.
Which standards apply to emergency response?
OSH has adopted the following standards related to emergency response in North Carolina. Note: Please also check the standards information and activity webpage to see if there has been any recent or upcoming regulatory activity on this topic.
General Industry
- 29 CFR 1910.119 - process safety management of highly hazardous chemicals
- 29 CFR 1910.120 - hazardous waste operations and emergency response
- 29 CFR 1910.132 - personal protective equipment, general requirements
- 29 CFR 1910.134 - respiratory protection
- 29 CFR 1910.156 - fire brigades
- 29 CFR 1910.1020 - access to employee exposure and medical records
- 29 CFR 1910.1030 - bloodborne pathogens
- 29 CFR 1910.1200 - hazard communication
Construction
- 29 CFR 1926.65 - hazardous waste operations and emergency response
- 29 CFR 1926.150 - Fire protection
State-specific Standard
- 13 NCAC 07F.0207 - construction, toxic and hazardous substances
- 13 NCAC 07F .0103 - hazardous materials
North Carolina General Statute
N.C. General Statutes 95-173 through 95-218 - identification of toxic or hazardous substances
Other Applicable Standards
The Which OSHA Standards Apply webpage can also help identify other standards that may be applicable to your worksite.
Where can I learn more?
Industry Guides
- Industry Guide 48 - OSHA Construction Industry Standards Requiring Programs, Inspections, Procedures, Records and/or Training provides requirements for standards related to emergency response in construction.
- Industry Guide 49 - OSHA General Industry Standards Requiring Programs, Inspections, Procedures, Records and/or Training, includes requirements for standards related to emergency response in general industry.
Compliance Documents
- Compliance directive CPL 02-02-073, Inspection Procedures for 29 CFR 1910.120 and 1926.65 Paragraph (q): Emergency Response to Hazardous Substance Release, establishes enforcement policy for emergency response to chemical releases and provides an explanation of this part of the standard to ensure uniform enforcement.
- Compliance Directive: CPL 02-00-124 - Multi-Employer Citation Policy provides guidance to Compliance Officers regarding the issuance of citations for employers who exercise control in creating, controlling, exposing and correcting hazards for their employees and those of other employers on site.
- Compliance directive CPL 02-02-051, Inspection Guidelines for Post-Emergency Response Operations Under 29 CFR 1910.120, establishes enforcement policy of training for employees involved in post-emergency response operations.
- SN 63 - Requirements for Workers Who Are Actively Conducting Operations in IDLH Atmospheres discusses the requirements for workers conducting operations in atmospheres classified as being immediately dangerous to life and health.
- Operational Procedure Notice: OPN 107 - Enforcement Guidelines for the Hazardous Chemicals Right-to-Know Act establishes the enforcement policy and provides an explanation of this statute to ensure uniform enforcement.
- Standards Directive (STD) 01-09-003 - Fire Brigades - Fire-Resistive Coats, provides clarification for 29 CFR 1910.156(e)(3)(ii); variation to the washing cycle requirements.
Technical Assistance
Inquiries about workplace safety and health requirements can be submitted to Ask OSH through the online form, by email to ask.osh@labor.nc.gov, or by phone at 919-707-7876.