What is considered a "minor leak" in transportation of dangerous goods?

In the context of transporting dangerous goods, a "minor leak" is defined as a situation where there is a small amount of hazardous material released that does not pose an immediate danger to health or safety. This definition is crucial because it allows for a distinction between minor incidents that can be managed safely and those that escalate into emergencies requiring urgent response actions.

For example, a minor leak might involve a small puncture in a container that results in a negligible amount of material escaping, which can be contained without posing risks to surrounding individuals or the environment.

The other options represent scenarios that do not align with the definition of a minor leak. Immediate evacuation indicates a serious situation that requires quick action, suggesting an immediate danger to people nearby. A release of a non-toxic liquid would typically not fall under hazardous materials, thus not qualifying for concerns related to dangerous goods. A major spill, on the other hand, definitely presents a significant threat to safety and the environment, requiring comprehensive emergency response measures. Therefore, option A captures the essence of what constitutes a minor leak within this critical area of transportation safety.