September 27, 1990

MEMORANDUM FOR: REGIONAL ADMINISTRATORS
THROUGH: LEO CAREY, DIRECTOR, OFFICE OF FIELD PROGRAMS
FROM: PATRICIA K. CLARK DIRECTOR DESIGNATE DIRECTORATE OF COMPLIANCE PROGRAMS
SUBJECT: Establishment of a Centralized Telephone Information Service for hazardous Waste/HCS Inquiries

This is to request information on the need for a centralized telephone information service to assist Regions, Area Offices, States, and the general public with inquiries about hazardous waste, emergency response and hazard communication issues.

Under Congressional mandate the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a worker protection standard equivalent to 29 CFR 1910.120 in order to cover public workers in States without OSHA State plans. EPA is looking to OSHA to take the lead on setting policies and interpretations on the worker protection standard and will reimburse OSHA for this activity. Presently, the Office of Health Compliance Assistance is overburdened with inquiries on these standards and therefore, is developing plans to utilize available EPA Superfund monies to supply additional OSHA resources to address these issues. If there is sufficient need, it may be possible to establish a national information service to respond to all inquiries pertaining to hazardous waste, emergency response and hazard communication. Before we can move forward with this proposal, we need to have a clearer understanding of the Agency workload currently involved with responding to inquiries related to these issues. I ask that each of you query your Area Offices and State Programs and obtain the necessary information to complete the attached questionnaire. Since we would like to begin a pilot of this project early next fiscal year, it is important that we receive your responses, including your States' responses, to these questions by close of business, October 15, 1990. Should you have questions concerning these issues, contact MaryAnn Garrahan of my staff at FTS 523-8036. Our fax number is FTS 523-9187. Attachment

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OSHA HOTLINE QUESTIONNAIRE

1. Approximately how many telephone and/or written inquiries does your office receive on a monthly basis relating to hazardous waste, emergency response and hazard communication issues?
   • Hazardous Waste
     Telephone _______
     Written _______
     Congressionals _______
     FOIA's _______
     Other written _______

   • Emergency Response
     Telephone _______
     Written _______
     Congressionals _______
     FOIA's _______
     Other written _______

   • Hazard Communications
     Telephone _______
     Written _______
     Congressionals _______
     FOIA's _______
     Other written _______

2. Do you feel that the establishment of an OSHA Hotline to respond to telephone callers and written requests would free up your staff for other projects? YES ______ NO ______ (explain)

3. Do you feel that a toll free OSHA hotline would be beneficial? YES ______ NO ______ (explain)

   Other Comments are Welcome:

   Submitted by: ______________________ Telephone Number: _____________________