ABSTRACT
The Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) is primarily applicable to hazardous materials transported by highway and railway, but also to materials transported by air or waterway, as well as by pipeline. The ERG, which is issued every four years, “is primarily a guide to aid first responders in quickly identifying the specific or generic hazards of the material(s) involved in the incident, and protecting themselves and the general public during the initial response phase of the incident,” and should only be used for the “initial response phase” (“that period following arrival at the scene of an incident during which the presence and/or identification of dangerous goods is confirmed, protective actions and area securement are initiated, and assistance of qualified personnel is requested”). The primary purpose of the ERG is to direct the emergency responders to the most appropriate of these guides, based on the incident. The ERG also provides guidance regarding recommended evacuation distances.
