Associate Safety Professional Practice Exam

Which of the following statements is true regarding the cleanup of a minor spill of flammable material?

1. You must immediately notify OSHA

2. Notify the fire department before cleanup

3. No immediate notification to OSHA is required

4. Complete a detailed report after cleanup

The correct answer is: No immediate notification to OSHA is required

When dealing with a minor spill of flammable material, it is important to understand the regulatory requirements and best practices for safety. The correct assertion is that no immediate notification to OSHA is required for a minor spill. OSHA typically mandates reporting for more significant spills or incidents that pose a serious threat to worker safety or health, as well as for any occurrences that involve specified thresholds of hazardous materials. In the case of minor spills, the key focus is on containing the spill safely, initiating cleanup procedures without undue delay, and ensuring that all necessary precautions are taken to prevent ignition or further hazards. While notifying other agencies or departments, such as the fire department, may be prudent in situations where there is an elevated risk of fire or other serious consequences, it is not universally required for every minor spill. Therefore, the emphasis is placed on the fact that while safety should always be the top priority and proper procedures followed, the specific protocol outlined by OSHA does not necessitate immediate notification for minor spills unless they escalate into larger, more dangerous situations. This helps streamline the response process while ensuring safety is maintained.