The Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) is a critical, color-coded U.S. DOT manual designed for first responders (police, fire, EMS) to identify hazards and protect the public during the initial 30-minute phase of a hazardous materials transport incident. It provides immediate guidance on safety zones, PPE, and fire/spill control based on UN/NA ID numbers. Key Sections of the ERG (2024 Edition) White Pages: Instructions on how to use the guide, safety precautions, and call numbers. Yellow Pages (ID Number): Indexed numerical list of hazardous materials to find the 3-digit guide... Show more The Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) is a critical, color-coded U.S. DOT manual designed for first responders (police, fire, EMS) to identify hazards and protect the public during the initial 30-minute phase of a hazardous materials transport incident. It provides immediate guidance on safety zones, PPE, and fire/spill control based on UN/NA ID numbers. Key Sections of the ERG (2024 Edition) White Pages: Instructions on how to use the guide, safety precautions, and call numbers. Yellow Pages (ID Number): Indexed numerical list of hazardous materials to find the 3-digit guide number. Blue Pages (Name): Alphabetical list of hazardous materials to find the 3-digit guide number. Orange Pages (Guides): The core section with 62 guides offering safety, fire, and spill response procedures for specific material types. Green Pages (Distances): Initial isolation and protective action distances for dangerous substances (Toxic Inhalation Hazards - TIH). How to Use the ERG Identify the Material: Use the 4-digit UN/NA number (from placard or shipping paper) in the yellow section, or the chemical name in the blue section. Get Guide Number: Find the corresponding 3-digit number. Consult Orange/Green Pages: Turn to the assigned Guide (orange) for response actions or the Green Table for isolation distances if the material is highlighted or toxic. Key Considerations Limitations: Primarily for road/rail incidents; less applicable to fixed facilities. Updates: The ERG is updated every 3-4 years to reflect new technologies. Digital Access: The PHMSA website offers the guide as a mobile app. Show less
The Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) is a critical, color-coded U.S. DOT manual designed for first responders (police, fire, EMS) to identify hazards and protect the public during the initial 30-minute phase of a hazardous materials transport incident. It provides immediate guidance on safety zones, PPE, and fire/spill control based on UN/NA ID numbers.
Key Sections of the ERG (2024 Edition) White Pages: Instructions on how to use the guide, safety precautions, and call numbers. Yellow Pages (ID Number): Indexed numerical list of hazardous materials to find the 3-digit guide number. Blue Pages (Name): Alphabetical list of hazardous materials to find the 3-digit guide number. Orange Pages (Guides): The core section with 62 guides offering safety, fire, and spill response procedures for specific material types. Green Pages (Distances): Initial isolation and protective action distances for dangerous substances (Toxic Inhalation Hazards - TIH).
How to Use the ERG Identify the Material: Use the 4-digit UN/NA number (from placard or shipping paper) in the yellow section, or the chemical name in the blue section. Get Guide Number: Find the corresponding 3-digit number. Consult Orange/Green Pages: Turn to the assigned Guide (orange) for response actions or the Green Table for isolation distances if the material is highlighted or toxic.
Key Considerations Limitations: Primarily for road/rail incidents; less applicable to fixed facilities. Updates: The ERG is updated every 3-4 years to reflect new technologies. Digital Access: The PHMSA website offers the guide as a mobile app.
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