1910.119(n): PSM Emergency Action Plan
Employers covered by process safety management must set up and carry out an emergency action plan for the entire plant under 29 CFR 1910.38, including procedures for handling small releases. These employers may also be subject to the hazardous waste and emergency response rules in 1910.120 (a), (p) and (q).
Key takeaways
- 1910.119(n) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart H).
- OSHA cited it 27 times in the last 3 years, in 27 inspections, with $230,621 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: TX (4), NJ (3), PA (3).
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.119(n) ("Emergency planning and response") is one requirement inside 1910.119 Process safety management of highly hazardous chemicals, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart H). The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(n) Emergency planning and response. The employer shall establish and implement an emergency action plan for the entire plant in accordance with the provisions of 29 CFR 1910.38. In addition, the emergency action plan shall include procedures for handling small releases. Employers covered under this standard may also be subject to the hazardous waste and emergency response provisions contained in 29 CFR 1910.120 (a), (p) and (q). 27 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.119.
Export the list: 27 inspections cited 1910.119(n) in the last 3 years, with employer, location, penalty and date.
Purple Belt, $59/moInjuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.119(n).
At 12:00 p.m. on May 1, 2024, an explosion occurred at a production line, where multiple employees were working. Four employees were hospitalized to treat burnsand toxic gas inhalation, while six others were treated on-site without hospitalization for similar injuries.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 11 |
| 2025 | 8 |
| 2026 | 7 |
Top states: TX (4), NJ (3), PA (3), OH (3), OK (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| THE PREMCOR REFINING GROUP INC. | PORT ARTHUR, TX | $82,750 |
| DEER PARK REFINING LTD | DEER PARK, TX | $16,550 |
| XTREME FX LLC | CHAMPIONS GATE, FL | $13,066 |
| AMERICAN NITRILE OPERATIONS, LLC. | GROVE CITY, OH | $11,823 |
| GOLDEN GATE PETROLEUM OF COLORADO, LLC | FRUITA, CO | $11,585 |
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OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.119(n).
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Frequently asked questions
What plan is required?
An emergency action plan for the entire plant in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.38.
What extra must the plan include?
Procedures for handling small releases.
Can other rules apply?
Yes, employers may also be subject to 1910.120 (a), (p) and (q).
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.119 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-11-05
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.