The Contingency Plan

A large quantity generator must have a contingency plan in place for responding to emergencies. The contingency plan must be designed to minimize any hazard to human health or the environment that may result from fires and explosions; or from any unplanned release of hazardous wastes into the air, soil, or surface water. The generator must put the contingency plan into action immediately in the event of any of these emergency situations.

The contingency plan must include the following information:

• The arrangements that have been agreed to by local emergency response organizations, hospitals, and contractors, and state-level organizations
• An updated list of around-the-clock contact information for all people who are qualified to act in the role of emergency coordinator
• An updated list of all emergency equipment present at the facility
• A personnel evacuation plan

The generator is required to maintain the contingency plan and update it as needed. In addition, the generator must submit copies of the contingency plan and all revisions to local emergency responders.

To learn more about RCRA safety standards visit our RCRA Refresher Online Training web page.