Hazmat erg
Author: f | 2025-04-24
Cotton (Hazmat ID 1365, ERG Guide 133) Hay (Hazmat ID 1327, ERG Guide 133) Straw (Hazmat ID 1327, ERG Guide 133) Wool (Hazmat ID 1387, ERG Guide 133) Since most hazmat has names like Dibromochloropropanes, it s kind of funny to think that the stuff grandmas knit sweaters with can be dangerous.
ERG/HAZMAT JEOPARDY Jeopardy Template
By Joshua FowlerIn the field of hazmat, there is no publication more ubiquitous than the Emergency Response Guidebook. It is taught at nearly every basic hazmat and firefighter hazmat class, is carried on most fire rigs and is the go-to source for first-arriving officers at a hazmat incident.It has even been converted into an app.The challenge is making sure first responders understand both the importance of the ERG and how to properly and quickly use it during an emergency. Here’s a look at how the ERG came to be, what it is and how to use it to help hazmat and firefighter instructors convey the ERG’s importance in the hazmat world.Developed by the US Department of Transportation, the ERG’s first edition was released in 1973 and has been continuously updated since. Designed to be used by responders during the initial phase of a hazardous materials incident, the ERG provides necessary information to take protective actions without conducting detailed risk assessments. It quickly and accurately identifies dangerous goods and provides appropriate response procedures.Also Read: Do These 5 Things to be a Better Hazmat InstructorThe guidebook is also a tool to familiarize responders with DOT labeling requirements and other related topics. In 2008, the ERG was endorsed by the United Nations as a standard reference guide for hazardous materials incidents around the world.The ERG is organized by four-digit numerical codes known as UN numbers, which correspond to various types of hazardous materials. The United Nations has been issuing numbers to identify hazardous materials for international transport since the late 1970s. The UN number system is also known as the UN Global Hazard Identification System or the Globally Harmonized System for Hazardous Communication.The system was developed by an international group of experts in response to the increasing complexity and global nature of hazardous materials transportation. The UN numbers act as a universal language for identifying hazardous materials, eliminating potential miscommunications due to different languages or labeling conventions.Also Read: Authors Discuss how Hazmat Textbook Updates Tackle Modern ThreatsUN numbers are composed of four digits and can be displayed in one of two ways. The first method is displayed as an orange box with a black border and black numbers. This method must always be accompanied with the appropriate placard. The second method is the UN number inside the appropriate placard (either of these methods are acceptable).For example, UN 1090 (Acetone) looks like this.As hazardous materials transportation has become more complex and global, so have UN numbers. In 2003, additional three-character packaging codes were added to include more detailed information about the materials being transported.Also Read: Hazmat Expert Ed BarnasThe guidebook includes detailed information on the chemicals involved, including their physical description, chemical characteristics, fire behavior and potential health hazards associated with each one. Additionally, it provides recommended response actions for incidents involving these substances in both fixed facilities and transportation settings.One of the most important aspects of the ERG is the colored bordered pages at the beginning. These pages provide critical information about how
ERG 2025/Hazmat Flashcards - Quizlet
To respond in an emergency situation and serve as a starting point for determining what course of action should be taken. They include instructions on notifying authorities, identifying hazardous materials, obtaining assistance from specialized response teams and initial steps for containing the emergency.White Pages (pages 1-27): instructions and use, emergency numbers, safety precautions, notifications, hazard classification system, table of markings, railcar identification, GHS, intermodal containers and pipeline transportationYellow Pages (pages 28-91): ID number indexBlue Pages (pages 92-155): alphabetical material indexOrange Pages (pages 156-285): response guides with the left page being safety and the right page being responseGreen Pages (pages 286-353): initial isolation and protective action distancesWhite Pages (354-392): user’s guide, PPE, decontamination, fire and spill control, BLEVE, terrorism/IEDs, glossary, publication data, response centers (US and Canada) and 24-hour emergency response telephone numbersAdditionally, it is important to consult these bordered pages before taking any action at an emergency scene. Using this information as a starting point, responders can assess the situation and make informed decisions about how to proceed based on the specific circumstances.When pulling up on a potential hazmat scene, responders should follow these seven steps.ONECarefully read the product label and safety data sheet of the hazardous material you are dealing with as they provide important hazard information.TWORefer to the ERG and use its color-coded sections to identify the appropriate response procedures for your situation.THREEFollow all instructions on how to protect yourself and others from exposure, including wearing personal protective equipment.FOURIf necessary, take any actions recommended in the ERG such as isolating or neutralizing materials, evacuating an area or calling additional emergency services for assistance.FIVEBe prepared to communicate vital details about your incident and hazardous material by using standard phrases from the ERG’s emergency response guide numbers.SIXAfter the incident has been contained, follow proper decontamination procedures for personnel and equipment exposed to the hazardous material.SEVENMonitor the affected area and personnel to ensure that all necessary safety protocols have been followed and no further exposure or harm is possible.Accurate identification is key for proper response to a hazmat incident. Without this knowledge, emergency personnel cannot accurately assess the potential risks associated with the substance and respond accordingly.By using the ERG to determine the UN number of a material, emergency responders can quickly access relevant response information and take appropriate action while controlling an incident.It falls to instructors and training officers to ensure all first responders are familiar with this invaluable resource and use it promptly and accurately when responding to incidents involving hazardous materials. The importance and application of the ERG is something responders must understand initially and retrain on periodically. About the authorJosh Fowler is a 23-year veteran of the fire service and is currently a district chief for a municipal department in southeast Texas. He is the founder and owner of Charge The Line Leadership and lead instructor at Triangle Rescue specializing in incident command, hazmat and leadership for oil and gas industries. Contributor2025 Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) - HazMat
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]When an emergency incident happens at your facility, will you know where to go for valuable information? Understanding how to use the Emergency Response Guidebook before an incident happens is the key.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row xt_row_type=”in-container” xt_border_top=”0″ xt_bg_position=”middle” xt_bg_attach=”scroll” xt_pattern_opacity=”100″][vc_column][xt_networks title=”share ” force_original_colors=”yes”][vc_single_image image=”5401″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row xt_row_type=”in-container” xt_border_top=”0″ xt_pattern_opacity=”100″ xt_row_id=”Set Up Your Workstation”][vc_column][vc_tta_pageable no_fill_content_area=”1″ active_section=”1″ pagination_color=”mulled-wine” css=”.vc_custom_1490255059671{margin: 0px !important;}”][vc_tta_section title=”Section 1″ tab_id=”1490254885380-c42717bb-64c7″][vc_column_text]The Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) first was released by the U.S. Department of Transportation in 1973. Since then, the ERG has undergone some changes and has evolved into an efficient and effective means of initial information during an emergency incident.While some might think that this tool is just for use by emergency responders, they are mistaken. The ERG not only is useful to firefighters, police officers and EMS professionals, but to many others in a variety of industries.The key to using the ERG is understanding how the guidebook works, and the process used to safely size-up our emergency incidents. This does not necessarily mean that an incident already has occurred.The ERG is a great tool for pre-planning responses to the hazards associated with the materials we work with on a daily basis. The ERG is a tool for identifying the hazards and providing critical information on first aid, fire extinguishment and evacuation distances to protect ourselves, our workers and the community that surrounds our workplace.Color-Coded SectionsFrom the first glance, you will notice that the ERG has four color-coded sections. The sections are color-coded for easy reference without having to know the page number. The 2016 ERG will have an expanded flow chart for ease of operation. It is important to understand what each of the sections covers.Yellow – If you find yourself saying, “I only know the 4-digit UN number for this material,” then the yellow section will help you with your response. All you need is the UN number and you can look up the physical name and corresponding guide number for the material in the yellow section.Blue – The blue section lists chemicals by name in alphabetical order. The blue section also will give you the cross reference to the UN number of a material and most importantly, the guide number associated with the material. Take care matching the spelling of the chemical name; there are several names that have similar spelling.Orange – All other sections lead to the orange section. This section is the “meat and potatoes” of the. Cotton (Hazmat ID 1365, ERG Guide 133) Hay (Hazmat ID 1327, ERG Guide 133) Straw (Hazmat ID 1327, ERG Guide 133) Wool (Hazmat ID 1387, ERG Guide 133) Since most hazmat has names like Dibromochloropropanes, it s kind of funny to think that the stuff grandmas knit sweaters with can be dangerous. Here’s a look at how the ERG came to be, what it is and how to use it to help hazmat and firefighter instructors convey the ERG’s importance in the hazmat world.HazMat Emergency Response Guidebook ERG 2025
Essential Resource for Transportation or Handling Incidents Involving Hazardous MaterialsLabelmaster offers the 2016 edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) – a must have for anyone who handles or transports dangerous goods (hazardous materials). The ERG is a go-to manual to help responders quickly identify the specific or generic classification of the hazardous material or materials that may be involved in an incident, which helps protect themselves and the general public during the initial response phase.The ERG is published every four years by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) to meet updated regulations and new products and technology, and incorporate relevant feedback from emergency responders. The 2016 ERG is due to be released in the first quarter of 2016. The new version includes 10 added, revised or expanded sections, covers approximately 3,500 materials and features 62 separate guides for describing what to do when different categories of hazardous materials are released.Updates to the 2016 ERG edition include: Expanded Rail Car Identification and Road Trailer Identification charts Added information about Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) markings Expanded table of placards Updated pipeline emergency response information Addition of all new dangerous goods/hazardous materials listed in UN Recommendations on the transport of dangerous goods“The ERG is the foremost resource to help quickly identify and respond to transportation or handling incidents involving chemical hazards in an emergency,” said Jeanne Zmich, Vice President of Research and Development at Labelmaster. “The compact book helps keep accidents from becoming worst-case scenarios, and all front-line personnel and first responders should have the ERG handy and know how to use it.“These changes and additions make the 2016 edition the most comprehensive, useful and essential ERG ever developed,” added Zmich.The ERG is suited for truck drivers, railroad and maritime personnel, freight facility and warehouse workers, pipeline employees, first responders, pilots and air freight handlers, and police and firefighters.The U.S. DOT published the first ERG in 1973 to give emergency response workers on the scene of a hazardous materials incident a guide for correct and effective response. Today, the ERG is found aboard virtually every piece of fire apparatus, police vehicle, hazardous material response unit and Coast Guard vessel in service today.erg-hazmat-solutions-powerpoint.pptx - Google Slides
To acquire a CDL Hazmat endorsement in California, you must first have a Commercial Driver's License (CDL). Then, pass the Hazardous Materials (Hazmat) Knowledge Test at a DMV office. After passing, complete a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) background check. Once cleared, take the Hazmat endorsement form to DMV to add the endorsement to your CDL. To obtain a CDL Hazmat license in California, you need to have a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL). You must also pass the Hazardous Materials (Hazmat) endorsement knowledge test, provide a valid Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security threat assessment (background check), and complete fingerprinting. Training on handling hazardous materials is also required. When applying for a CDL Hazmat endorsement in California, you need to provide your current valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL), proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency (birth certificate, passport, or green card), and a completed Medical Examination Report Form. You'll also need to pass a TSA background check and provide fingerprints. Yes, there is a dedicated written test for the CDL Hazmat endorsement in California. This test is designed to evaluate your knowledge about the rules and regulations related to the transportation of hazardous materials. It covers topics such as loading and unloading, bulk packaging, and emergency response procedures. You must pass this test to obtain the endorsement. The written test for the CDL Hazmat endorsement covers a variety of subjects related to hazardous materials, including: recognition and identification of hazardous materials, compliance with safety regulations, understanding shipping papers, placarding requirements, loading and unloading procedures, handling emergencies and incidents, and the rules for transporting specific types of hazardous materials. Yes, there are extra charges associated with acquiring a CDL Hazmat endorsement. In California, you must pay a $30 testing fee. Additionally, fingerprinting for the TSA background check costs approximately $86.50. Please note that these fees are subject to change and it's advisable to check the current rates with your local DMV office. Yes, obtaining a CDL Hazmat endorsement does require a background check and security clearance. This is mandated by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and involves fingerprinting and checking for any disqualifying criminal offenses. The goal is to ensure the safety and security of hazardous materials transportation. It's necessary to pass this check to receive the endorsement. Yes, specialized training and certification are required for the CDL Hazmat endorsement. Applicants must pass a written test regarding the transportation of hazardous materials. Additionally, they must undergo a TSA background check. These requirements ensure that drivers have the necessary knowledge and skills to safely transport hazardous materials. No, you cannot legally transport hazardous materials without a valid CDL Hazmat endorsement in California. This endorsement is required to ensure the driver's understanding of safety precautions and procedures for transporting hazardous materials. Driving without it can lead to serious legal consequences including fines and suspension of your commercial driver's license. Yes, you can add the CDL Hazmat endorsement to your current CDL license. You don't need to apply for a new license. However, youHazMat - ERG 2025 Guidebook on the App Store
Which Gear Should I Choose?Each gear will have a "basement" power level. No matter what number the app is sending to the trainer, the trainer will not be able to get below this basement level. If you are in this situation, try switching to an easier gear on your bike. Keep switching until the lowest power your trainer gives you is below the lowest target the app gives you. That's the gear you need to choose for ERG mode. We recommend using the small chainring in the front, and the middle of the cassette at the back. This may need adjusting, based on your recovery targets, but is a good starting point to finding the correct gear. Can't meet the power targets in low cadence intervalsThis is the opposite problem to the one listed above. If your trainer can't meet the low cadence power targets, you'll need to change gears. Shifting to the large chainring on your bike should resolve this issue. Please note though, that this may affect your recovery interval. This may be one scenario where shifting in ERG mode is required. (note that this is not true for all trainers).When to use ERG mode/ When NOT to use ERG modeSome smart trainers are better than others when it comes to ERG mode. If you’ve got a top-of-the-line KICKR, you can probably manage most of the workouts that are in the app, in ERG mode. There are some workouts that are best done in Level mode:ViolatorThe ShovelThe Tool ShedThe CureHalf is EasyCadence drillsDo As You're Told (this will depend on your trainer)Full Frontal (this should NEVER be done in ERG mode!)The second half of Half Monty is also a Level Mode-only workout. Any workout where your trainer struggles to add or remove the resistance during the interval should be done in Level mode. As mentioned earlier, this will vary depending on the trainer that you own. Using a smart controllable Wheel-On trainerWheel-on smart trainers need some special care to ensure that they are properly calibrated to report accurate power measurements. We recommend the following before each ride:Check tireHAZMAT Awareness ERG Placards Flashcards - Quizlet
ERG. The orange section gives the information on primary hazards and emergency response actions. Find the important information on PPE, evacuation distances, spill control, fire control and first aid measures in this section.Green – Chemicals highlighted in green in the blue section or the yellow section shows they are toxic inhalation materials (TIH). TIH have specific initial isolation distance and protective action distance information. Be sure to keep in mind the location of the hazard. If the hazard is confined to a building, the evacuation distances will be different.White – There is a host of specialized information in the ERG. The white section in front includes many of the specialized items that could be of interest to industry. It shows information on rail cars, trailer identification, placards and pipeline information. The white pages in the back of the book provide information on explosives, boiling liquid expanding vapor explosions and a glossary.Changes for the New 2016 ERGScheduled to be releases in 2016, the new edition of the ERG includes the following changes:New instructions and flow chartExpanded table of placardsExpanded rail car ID chartsUpdated TIH sectionUpdated pipeline informationInformation on GHS (Global Harmonized System) symbolsIt is important to train employees how to use the ERG. By using games and other methods of training, you can keep interest and skills fresh. Knowing how to use the information in the ERG is key in assisting in the safety of your employees and the neighbors around your business. A video highlighting the changes, and a new training game, the 2016 ERG Game, can be found at:. Cotton (Hazmat ID 1365, ERG Guide 133) Hay (Hazmat ID 1327, ERG Guide 133) Straw (Hazmat ID 1327, ERG Guide 133) Wool (Hazmat ID 1387, ERG Guide 133) Since most hazmat has names like Dibromochloropropanes, it s kind of funny to think that the stuff grandmas knit sweaters with can be dangerous.
Hazmat Studies: 2025 ERG: A Vital Resource For
Disulfide3174135Titanium disulphide3175133Solids containing flammable liquid, n.o.s.3176133Flammable solid, organic, molten, n.o.s.3178133Flammable solid, inorganic, n.o.s.3178133Smokeless powder for small arms3179134Flammable solid, poisonous, inorganic, n.o.s.3179134Flammable solid, toxic, inorganic, n.o.s.3180134Flammable solid, corrosive, inorganic, n.o.s.3180134Flammable solid, inorganic, corrosive, n.o.s.3181133Metal salts of organic compounds, flammable, n.o.s.3182170Metal hydrides, flammable, n.o.s.3183135Self-heating liquid, organic, n.o.s.3184136Self-heating liquid, poisonous, organic, n.o.s.3184136Self-heating liquid, toxic, organic, n.o.s.3185136Self-heating liquid, corrosive, organic, n.o.s.3186135Self-heating liquid, inorganic, n.o.s.3187136Self-heating liquid, poisonous, inorganic, n.o.s.3187136Self-heating liquid, toxic, inorganic, n.o.s.3188136Self-heating liquid, corrosive, inorganic, n.o.s.3189135Metal powder, self-heating, n.o.s.3189135Self-heating metal powders, n.o.s.3190135Self-heating solid, inorganic, n.o.s.3191136Self-heating solid, inorganic, poisonous, n.o.s.3191136Self-heating solid, inorganic, toxic, n.o.s.3191136Self-heating solid, poisonous, inorganic, n.o.s.3191136Self-heating solid, toxic, inorganic, n.o.s.3192136Self-heating solid, corrosive, inorganic, n.o.s.3194135Pyrophoric liquid, inorganic, n.o.s.3200135Pyrophoric solid, inorganic, n.o.s.3203135Pyrophoric organometallic compound, n.o.s.3203135Pyrophoric organometallic compound, water-reactive, n.o.s.3205135Alkaline earth metal alcoholates, n.o.s.3206136Alkali metal alcoholates, self-heating, corrosive, n.o.s.3207138Organometallic compound dispersion, water-reactive, flammable, n.o.s.3207138Organometallic compound solution, water-reactive, flammable, n.o.s.3207138Organometallic compound, water-reactive, flammable, n.o.s.3208138Metallic substance, water-reactive, n.o.s.3209138Metallic substance, water-reactive, self-heating, n.o.s.3210140Chlorates, inorganic, aqueous solution, n.o.s.3211140Perchlorates, inorganic, aqueous solution, n.o.s.3212140Hypochlorites, inorganic, n.o.s.3213140Bromates, inorganic, aqueous solution, n.o.s.3214140Permanganates, inorganic, aqueous solution, n.o.s.3215140Persulfates, inorganic, n.o.s.3215140Persulphates, inorganic, n.o.s.3216140Persulfates, inorganic, aqueous solution, n.o.s.3216140Persulphates, inorganic, aqueous solution, n.o.s.3217140Percarbonates, inorganic, n.o.s.3218140Nitrates, inorganic, aqueous solution, n.o.s.3219140Nitrites, inorganic, aqueous solution, n.o.s.Data Source for our online 2008 ERGThis information was compiled from the 2008 Emergency Response Guidebook (2008 ERG) which is produced by the U.S. Department of Transportation.(Data last updated/verified: Oct. 2, 2011)Related ResourcesGuide for Handling Household ChemicalsThings you can do to make your home safer.USDOT Hazardous Materials Table 49 CFR 172.101An online version of the USDOT's listing of hazardous materials from 49CFR 172.101. This table can be sorted by proper shipping name, UN/NA ID and/or by primary hazard class/division.US DOT Hazardous Materials Transportation PlacardsHazardous materials placards (DOT placards) are required when shipping hazardous materials in the United States, Canada and Mexico. These pages provide US DOT definitions for each hazmat placard.Chemical DatabaseThis database focuses on the most common chemical compounds used in the home and industry.DisclaimerWARNING: These pages are for general reference and educational purposes only and MUST NOT be relied upon as a sole source to determine regulatory compliance or where matters of life and health are concerned. This site and the author do not warrantHazMat Emergency Response Guidebook ERG 2025 on
There are 2 smart trainer modes used in the SYSTM app: ERG mode and Level mode. In ERG mode, the trainer will meet the power targets for you, while in Level mode, you will need to shift gears to meet the power targets.How does ERG mode work?Knowing how your trainer works will help ensure that you have the best experience. The trainer applies resistance based on the speed of the flywheel. The trainer will try to match the resistance target no matter what. You can expect that if you drop your cadence, the trainer will add resistance making pedaling harder. If you increase your cadence, the trainer will release the resistance. It is important to keep the cadence steady and on-target during the workout.If your target power is too high and you’re unable to keep the cadence target, the trainer will continually add resistance as your cadence decreases, until it locks down and you are no longer able to turn the pedals. (This is sometimes referred to as ERG Lockdown or the ERG death spiral). If this happens, simply stop pedaling and allow the trainer to release the resistance. You might want to reduce the target intensity if this keeps happening.Unlike level mode, where you’re trying to meet the power targets, in ERG mode, you want to meet the cadence targets. The trainer will meet the power target for you.Every smart trainer is a bit different in its response time. Some of the higher-end trainers such as the Wahoo Kickr or the Tacx Neo will be able to meet the power target in 3 to 5 seconds. Other trainers might take 5 to 10 seconds. Just keep the cadence steady and wait for the resistance to add on.With fast cadence increases, the trainer bleeds resistance to avoid overshooting the power target. With a fast enough cadence you’ll feel very little resistance applied at all. You will likely experience this "spinning out" at the end of a sprint. This will also be the experience you have if you're trying to match the power target by increasing your cadence, rather than allowing. Cotton (Hazmat ID 1365, ERG Guide 133) Hay (Hazmat ID 1327, ERG Guide 133) Straw (Hazmat ID 1327, ERG Guide 133) Wool (Hazmat ID 1387, ERG Guide 133) Since most hazmat has names like Dibromochloropropanes, it s kind of funny to think that the stuff grandmas knit sweaters with can be dangerous.Hazmat Studies: DOT Releases 2025 ERG - Firehouse
You immediate feedback. This NC CDL Double / Triple Test has 30 questions based on the handbook and it gives you immediate feedback. This NC CDL Double / Triple Test has 30 questions based on the handbook and it gives you immediate feedback. Air Brakes This North Carolina CDL Air Brake Test is a massive practice test that contains a mixture of all questions that we have available for this NC endorsement. Tank The NC CDL Tanker Test questions are completely Free. There is simply no easier way to prepare for and pass your CDL test. The NC CDL Tanker Test questions are completely Free. There is simply no easier way to prepare for and pass your CDL test. The NC CDL Tanker Test questions are completely Free. There is simply no easier way to prepare for and pass your CDL test. The NC CDL Tanker Test questions are completely Free. There is simply no easier way to prepare for and pass your CDL test. The NC CDL Tanker Test questions are completely Free. There is simply no easier way to prepare for and pass your CDL test. HazMat Take this CDL HazMat Practice Test based on the official [year] NC CDL Handbook to see if you're ready for the real thing! Take this CDL HazMat Practice Test based on the official [year] NC CDL Handbook to see if you're ready for the real thing! Take this CDL HazMat Practice Test based on the official [year] NC CDL Handbook to see if you're ready for the real thing! Take this CDL HazMat Practice Test based on the official [year] NC CDL Handbook to see if you're ready for the real thing! Take this CDL HazMat Practice Test based on the official [year] NC CDL Handbook to see if you're readyComments
By Joshua FowlerIn the field of hazmat, there is no publication more ubiquitous than the Emergency Response Guidebook. It is taught at nearly every basic hazmat and firefighter hazmat class, is carried on most fire rigs and is the go-to source for first-arriving officers at a hazmat incident.It has even been converted into an app.The challenge is making sure first responders understand both the importance of the ERG and how to properly and quickly use it during an emergency. Here’s a look at how the ERG came to be, what it is and how to use it to help hazmat and firefighter instructors convey the ERG’s importance in the hazmat world.Developed by the US Department of Transportation, the ERG’s first edition was released in 1973 and has been continuously updated since. Designed to be used by responders during the initial phase of a hazardous materials incident, the ERG provides necessary information to take protective actions without conducting detailed risk assessments. It quickly and accurately identifies dangerous goods and provides appropriate response procedures.Also Read: Do These 5 Things to be a Better Hazmat InstructorThe guidebook is also a tool to familiarize responders with DOT labeling requirements and other related topics. In 2008, the ERG was endorsed by the United Nations as a standard reference guide for hazardous materials incidents around the world.The ERG is organized by four-digit numerical codes known as UN numbers, which correspond to various types of hazardous materials. The United Nations has been issuing numbers to identify hazardous materials for international transport since the late 1970s. The UN number system is also known as the UN Global Hazard Identification System or the Globally Harmonized System for Hazardous Communication.The system was developed by an international group of experts in response to the increasing complexity and global nature of hazardous materials transportation. The UN numbers act as a universal language for identifying hazardous materials, eliminating potential miscommunications due to different languages or labeling conventions.Also Read: Authors Discuss how Hazmat Textbook Updates Tackle Modern ThreatsUN numbers are composed of four digits and can be displayed in one of two ways. The first method is displayed as an orange box with a black border and black numbers. This method must always be accompanied with the appropriate placard. The second method is the UN number inside the appropriate placard (either of these methods are acceptable).For example, UN 1090 (Acetone) looks like this.As hazardous materials transportation has become more complex and global, so have UN numbers. In 2003, additional three-character packaging codes were added to include more detailed information about the materials being transported.Also Read: Hazmat Expert Ed BarnasThe guidebook includes detailed information on the chemicals involved, including their physical description, chemical characteristics, fire behavior and potential health hazards associated with each one. Additionally, it provides recommended response actions for incidents involving these substances in both fixed facilities and transportation settings.One of the most important aspects of the ERG is the colored bordered pages at the beginning. These pages provide critical information about how
2025-04-05To respond in an emergency situation and serve as a starting point for determining what course of action should be taken. They include instructions on notifying authorities, identifying hazardous materials, obtaining assistance from specialized response teams and initial steps for containing the emergency.White Pages (pages 1-27): instructions and use, emergency numbers, safety precautions, notifications, hazard classification system, table of markings, railcar identification, GHS, intermodal containers and pipeline transportationYellow Pages (pages 28-91): ID number indexBlue Pages (pages 92-155): alphabetical material indexOrange Pages (pages 156-285): response guides with the left page being safety and the right page being responseGreen Pages (pages 286-353): initial isolation and protective action distancesWhite Pages (354-392): user’s guide, PPE, decontamination, fire and spill control, BLEVE, terrorism/IEDs, glossary, publication data, response centers (US and Canada) and 24-hour emergency response telephone numbersAdditionally, it is important to consult these bordered pages before taking any action at an emergency scene. Using this information as a starting point, responders can assess the situation and make informed decisions about how to proceed based on the specific circumstances.When pulling up on a potential hazmat scene, responders should follow these seven steps.ONECarefully read the product label and safety data sheet of the hazardous material you are dealing with as they provide important hazard information.TWORefer to the ERG and use its color-coded sections to identify the appropriate response procedures for your situation.THREEFollow all instructions on how to protect yourself and others from exposure, including wearing personal protective equipment.FOURIf necessary, take any actions recommended in the ERG such as isolating or neutralizing materials, evacuating an area or calling additional emergency services for assistance.FIVEBe prepared to communicate vital details about your incident and hazardous material by using standard phrases from the ERG’s emergency response guide numbers.SIXAfter the incident has been contained, follow proper decontamination procedures for personnel and equipment exposed to the hazardous material.SEVENMonitor the affected area and personnel to ensure that all necessary safety protocols have been followed and no further exposure or harm is possible.Accurate identification is key for proper response to a hazmat incident. Without this knowledge, emergency personnel cannot accurately assess the potential risks associated with the substance and respond accordingly.By using the ERG to determine the UN number of a material, emergency responders can quickly access relevant response information and take appropriate action while controlling an incident.It falls to instructors and training officers to ensure all first responders are familiar with this invaluable resource and use it promptly and accurately when responding to incidents involving hazardous materials. The importance and application of the ERG is something responders must understand initially and retrain on periodically. About the authorJosh Fowler is a 23-year veteran of the fire service and is currently a district chief for a municipal department in southeast Texas. He is the founder and owner of Charge The Line Leadership and lead instructor at Triangle Rescue specializing in incident command, hazmat and leadership for oil and gas industries. Contributor
2025-04-03Essential Resource for Transportation or Handling Incidents Involving Hazardous MaterialsLabelmaster offers the 2016 edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) – a must have for anyone who handles or transports dangerous goods (hazardous materials). The ERG is a go-to manual to help responders quickly identify the specific or generic classification of the hazardous material or materials that may be involved in an incident, which helps protect themselves and the general public during the initial response phase.The ERG is published every four years by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) to meet updated regulations and new products and technology, and incorporate relevant feedback from emergency responders. The 2016 ERG is due to be released in the first quarter of 2016. The new version includes 10 added, revised or expanded sections, covers approximately 3,500 materials and features 62 separate guides for describing what to do when different categories of hazardous materials are released.Updates to the 2016 ERG edition include: Expanded Rail Car Identification and Road Trailer Identification charts Added information about Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) markings Expanded table of placards Updated pipeline emergency response information Addition of all new dangerous goods/hazardous materials listed in UN Recommendations on the transport of dangerous goods“The ERG is the foremost resource to help quickly identify and respond to transportation or handling incidents involving chemical hazards in an emergency,” said Jeanne Zmich, Vice President of Research and Development at Labelmaster. “The compact book helps keep accidents from becoming worst-case scenarios, and all front-line personnel and first responders should have the ERG handy and know how to use it.“These changes and additions make the 2016 edition the most comprehensive, useful and essential ERG ever developed,” added Zmich.The ERG is suited for truck drivers, railroad and maritime personnel, freight facility and warehouse workers, pipeline employees, first responders, pilots and air freight handlers, and police and firefighters.The U.S. DOT published the first ERG in 1973 to give emergency response workers on the scene of a hazardous materials incident a guide for correct and effective response. Today, the ERG is found aboard virtually every piece of fire apparatus, police vehicle, hazardous material response unit and Coast Guard vessel in service today.
2025-04-23