2024 Emergency Response Guidebook: A Guidebook Intended for Use by First Responders During the Initial Phase of a Transportation Incident Involving Hazardous Materials/Dangerous Goods

The 2024 Emergency Response Guidebook provides first responders with a manual intended for use during the initial phase of a transportation incident involving hazardous materials/dangerous goods.DOT's goal is to place an ERG in every public emergency service vehicle nationwide. To date, more than 18 million free copies have been distributed to the emergency response community through state emergency management coordinators. Members of the public may purchase a copy of the ERG through the GPO Bookstore and other commercial suppliers. Table of ContentsShipping Papers (Documents)How to Use this GuidebookLocal Emergency Telephone NumbersSafety PrecautionsNotification and Request for Technical InformationHazard Classification SystemIntroduction to the Table of Markings, Labels and PlacardsTable of Markings, Labels and Placards and Initial Response Guide to Use On-sceneRail Car Identification ChartRoad Trailer Identification ChartGlobally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS)Hazard Identification Numbers Displayed on Some Intermodal ContainersPipeline TransportationID Number Index (yellow section)Name of Material Index (blue section)How to Use the Orange GuidesGeneral First AidGuides (orange section)Introduction to Green TablesProtective ActionsProtective Action Decision Factors to ConsiderBackground on Table 1 – Initial Isolation and Protective Action DistancesTable 1 – Initial Isolation and Protective Action DistancesTable 2 – Water-Reactive Materials which Produce Toxic GasesTable 3 – Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances for Large Spills for Different Quantities of Six Common TIH (PIH in the US) GasesERG2024 User’s GuideProtective ClothingDecontaminationFire and Spill ControlConsiderations for Lithium Battery and Electric Vehicle (EV) FiresBLEVE and Heat Induced TearBLEVE – Safety PrecautionsCriminal or Terrorist Use of Chemical, Biological and Radiological AgentsImprovised Explosive Device (IED) Safe Stand-Off DistanceGlossaryPublication DataCanada and United States National Response CentersERAP – Emergency Response Assistance Plans24-Hour Emergency Response Telephone Numbers Read more