Unlike hazardous waste large quantity generators (LQGs), a hazardous waste small quantity generator (SQG) isn’t required to have a contingency plan. But, as with LQGs, it’s the company’s responsibility to have, at all times, a minimum of two employees, called the emergency coordinators (ECs) either on the premises or on call.

At least two ECs are needed because an EC must be either at the facility or able to reach the facility within a short period of time. Selected ECs must respond to any emergencies that arise. It’s their responsibility to enact all of the following emergency response measures:

• In the event of a fire, call the fire department, or attempt to extinguish it using a fire extinguisher.
• In the event of a spill, contain the flow of hazardous waste to the extent possible, and as soon as is feasible, clean up the hazardous waste and any contaminated materials or soil. Containment and cleanup can be conducted either by the company as the SQG or by a contractor on the company’s behalf.
• In the event of a fire, an explosion, or another release that could threaten human health outside the facility or when an EC has knowledge that a spill has reached surface water, they must immediately notify the National Response Center (24-hour toll-free number: 800-424-8802). The report must include: The name, address, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, identification, or ID, number of the SQG;
• Date, time, and type of incident (e.g., spill or fire);
• Quantity and type of hazardous waste involved in the incident;
• Extent of injuries, if any; and
• Estimated quantity and disposition of recovered materials, if any

Emergency information. The EC must be sure that the following information is posted next to telephones or in areas directly involved in the generation and accumulation of hazardous waste:

• The name and telephone number of the emergency coordinators;
• Map of the facility showing the location of fire extinguishers and spill control material and, if present, fire alarms; and
• The telephone number of the fire department, unless the facility has a direct alarm.