Hazardous Substance Incident Levels
| Minimal (Level 1) | Little discernable effect on people or the environment, minor effect on property or some social disruption, controls adequate |
|---|---|
| Minor (Level 2) | Localised, short term, minor effect on people or the environment, property damage, some social disruption to surrounding area, controls adequate |
| Moderate (Level 3) | Significant longer term damage to people, property or the environment, one death, disruption to surrounding community, controls appear adequate but may require follow-up |
| Major (Level 4) | Significant irreversible damage to people, property and the environment, more than one death, major social disruption, a system/control failure or lack of adequate controls, public and political interest |
| Massive (Level 5) | Major damage to property, communities and the ecosystem, including species loss, multiple deaths, significant economic effect, substantial system/control failure resulting in public and political outrage |