What are the three classifications of discharge?

• A. Minor discharge, medium discharge, major discharge
• B. Minor, moderate, severe
• C. Type A, B, C
• D. Small, medium, large

Answer: (A)

Discharge size is assessed to determine the required response, with three escalating levels that guide action and communication. The three levels are minor, medium, and major discharge. A minor discharge is a small amount that can be contained and cleaned up with routine procedures and poses little hazard. A medium discharge is larger, requires containment measures and more substantial cleanup, with greater potential environmental impact. A major discharge is a substantial release that presents significant safety and environmental risk and triggers emergency procedures and rapid escalation of resources. This scale is standard because it provides clear, quickly understood thresholds for crews to follow. The other options use terms that aren’t the established, universally understood categories for discharge in this context, which could lead to slower, less precise responses.