As a local emergency responder, do I need to register or pay a fee to CHEMTREC in order to engage CHEMTREC’s services?
No. CHEMTREC is a 24/7 public service available to responders as a source of information during an incident. Responders do not have to register to use the CHEMTREC service. Registration only applies to shippers that wish to use the emergency telephone number to comply with Department of Transportation regulations in 49 CFR § 172.604.
Does CHEMTREC notify other federal, state or local authorities in case of a hazardous materials spill?
No. CHEMTREC does not assume responsibility for compliance notification of appropriate federal, state or local authorities as required by regulation in the event of a hazardous materials release. The responsible party is still obligated to fulfill these requirements.
CHEMTREC does have special relationships with certain federal agencies to give notice if a significant release of product has occurred. Additionally, CHEMTREC has partnerships with third-party companies that provide compliance notification services.
Who are the Emergency Services Specialists (ESS) that answer the CHEMTREC hotline?
CHEMTREC’s ESS are trained to use a variety of resources to assist callers. Most have emergency response backgrounds either by way of military or public service experience, and all receive rigorous and recurring hands-on emergency response training. Collectively, CHEMTREC’s ESS staff have over 250 years of hands-on emergency response experience.
What technical resources does CHEMTREC use to handle emergencies?
After a CHEMTREC ESS obtains information from the caller concerning the incident, immediate technical emergency response information is provided to the scene. Information provided by the ESS is obtained from several sources, including our expansive collection of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), information databases, emergency contacts, and medical and chemical specialists.
Can I obtain copies of the Emergency Response Guidebook from CHEMTREC?
Yes. Copies of the Emergency Response Guidebook may be purchased from the American Chemistry Council (ACC) by contacting the publications and fulfillment center at (301) 617-7824, or from the ACC website at: www.americanchemistry.com.
For information about free copies, call DOT at (800) 467-4922 or visit www.dot.gov.
Does CHEMTREC participate in drills and exercises?
Yes. Through CHEMTREC’s drill program, CHEMTREC participates in local exercises and provides assistance as in an actual emergency. The goal of this program is to expand on emergency responder’s understanding of what resources and services are available should CHEMTREC be called in the event of a hazmat emergency.
To arrange a CHEMTREC drill, complete the Hazardous Materials Exercise Request Form located in the Forms section of this Guide. Please return the completed form to CHEMTREC by fax or email at least 48 hours before the drill. If you have any questions, call us at (703) 741-5525.
Does CHEMTREC have foreign language capability?
Yes. In those cases where an emergency call is received from someone whose primary language is other than English, CHEMTREC can access its 24/7 language translation service and communicate effectively with the caller.
Does CHEMTREC assist with handling a medical exposure?
Yes. Through MEDTREC, CHEMTREC maintains 24/7 access to physicians and toxicologists who can provide critical information to emergency medical technicians and physicians treating patients exposed to hazardous materials.
As an emergency responder, can I get an MSDS from CHEMTREC even if there is not an emergency?
MSDSs are available for use by emergency responders only during an actual emergency, scheduled drill, or exercise.