OSHA rules
OSHA emergency response rule: final expected 2027
OSHA's proposed Emergency Response standard would replace the 1980 Fire Brigades standard (29 CFR 1910.156) and cover emergency medical services and technical search and rescue as well as firefighting. OSHA's regulatory agenda lists a final rule for April 2027.
On your exam?
Watch
Exams test today's rules: fire brigades (1910.156), emergency action plans (1910.38), HAZWOPER (1910.120) and incident command. The proposal isn't final.
Judged against ASP11, CSP11 and CHST5, the outlines in effect on October 16, 2026.
- Status
- Proposed. Final rule listed for April 2027
- From
- OSHA
- Citation
- 89 FR 7774; RIN 1218-AC91
- Last checked
- October 16, 2026
Key dates
- February 5, 2024Proposed rule published
- July 22, 2024Extended comment period closes
- November 12, 2024Informal public hearing begins (11 days)
- January 17, 2025Post-hearing comment period closes
- April 2027 (expected)Final rule (regulatory agenda)
What the proposal would do
- Replace the Fire Brigades standard, which covers only firefighting and has had only minor updates since 1980.
- Cover workers who respond to emergencies as part of their regular duties, including emergency medical services and technical search and rescue.
- Add program elements for the range of hazards responders face, and align with FEMA's National Response Framework and current NFPA standards.
The regulatory agenda says OSHA is revising the proposal based on the hearing testimony and evidence, so the final text may differ.
For the exam
Know the rules in force now: who needs an emergency action plan, alarm and evacuation basics, HAZWOPER emergency response levels, and the incident command system.
Practice what's tested now
- ASP: Emergency Action and Fire Prevention Plans practice questions
- ASP: Incident Command and NIMS practice questions
- CSP: Emergency Response Plans and Incident Command practice questions
- CHST: Emergency Response to Hazardous Releases practice questions
- 29 CFR 1910.38: how it's tested 18 practice questions cite this section
- 29 CFR 1910.120: how it's tested 70 practice questions cite this section
Sources
- Federal Register: Emergency Response Standard, proposed rule (Feb 5, 2024)
- Reginfo.gov: Unified Agenda entry, RIN 1218-AC91
- OSHA: Emergency Response rulemaking
Published October 16, 2026. Last checked against these sources October 16, 2026. Something out of date? Email hello@passcited.com.