Emergency Response Guidebook: How to Use the ERG During a Hazmat Incident

The Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) is a critical reference tool for first responders during the first minutes of a hazardous materials incident. Published by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), the 2024 Emergency Response Guidebook is intended for use during the initial phase of transportation incidents involving hazardous materials or dangerous goods. 

For firefighters, police officers, emergency medical teams, transportation workers, and safety professionals, the ERG helps answer urgent questions quickly: What material is involved? What are the immediate hazards? How far should people stay away? What protective actions may be needed?

What Is the Emergency Response Guidebook?

The ERG helps responders quickly identify hazardous materials and determine initial protective actions until more detailed product-specific information, trained personnel, or additional response support is available.

It does not replace formal hazmat training, site-specific emergency response plans, SDS information, or technical guidance during an active incident. Instead, it provides a shared starting point for early response decisions when time is limited and conditions may still be changing.

How the ERG Is Organized

The ERG is divided into color-coded sections that help responders locate information quickly:

• Yellow Section: Search by UN/NA identification number.
• Blue Section: Search alphabetically by material name.
• Orange Section: Find initial response guidance, including fire, spill, leak, health, and evacuation considerations.
• Green Section: Review initial isolation and protective action distances for certain materials.

This structure helps responders move from material identification to initial response guidance in a consistent way.

How to Use the ERG During a Hazmat Incident

Responders typically use the ERG by following a basic step-by-step process:

1. Identify the material.
   Look for the UN/NA number, shipping paper, placard, package marking, container label, or other available identifying information.
2. Find the correct guide number.
   Use the Yellow Section if the UN/NA number is available, or the Blue Section if the material name is known.
3. Review the Orange Section.
   The Orange Section provides initial response guidance, including potential fire, explosion, health, spill, leak, and evacuation considerations.
4. Check the Green Section when applicable.
   The Green Section provides initial isolation and protective action distances for certain materials.
5. Use the ERG with additional support.
   The ERG should be used together with hazmat training, SDS information, emergency response plans, and technical guidance during an active incident.

PHMSA also makes the ERG available in PDF format and through mobile app resources for use in the field. View the 2024 ERG PDF.

Why the ERG Matters in the First Minutes

The first minutes of a hazmat incident are often marked by uncertainty. The material may not be fully identified, the release may still be developing, and responders may need to protect nearby people while assessing the scene.

The ERG supports early decisions such as:

• Establishing initial isolation areas
• Identifying fire, explosion, inhalation, or contact hazards
• Determining whether evacuation or shelter-in-place may be appropriate
• Communicating risk across response teams
• Identifying when additional technical support may be needed

Because hazmat incidents can change quickly, the ERG should be used alongside responder training, current SDS information, emergency response plans, and real-time support.

How CHEMTREC Supports Hazmat Emergency Response

The ERG helps responders take initial action at the scene, while CHEMTREC helps organizations provide 24/7 emergency response support when a hazardous materials incident occurs.

CHEMTREC's Emergency Response services provide access to a 24-hour Emergency Operations Center, Emergency Services Specialists, hazardous materials and chemical professionals, toxicology and medical resources, and language interpretation services.

The 24-Hour Emergency Response Phone Number service can help organizations support emergency calls involving hazardous materials or dangerous goods. This support may include technical guidance, communication support, incident assessment, and coordination with appropriate contacts during the initial moments of an emergency.

For organizations that ship, store, or handle hazardous materials, having CHEMTREC on call can strengthen emergency preparedness and support faster, more informed response decisions when every minute matters.

ERG Practices for Businesses and Response Teams

To get the most value from the ERG, organizations should keep the current guide available in vehicles, facilities, and response locations. Teams should also be trained in how to use the Yellow, Blue, Orange, and Green sections before an incident occurs.

Businesses that ship, store, or handle hazardous materials can strengthen preparedness by pairing ERG knowledge with:

• Current SDS information
• Documented emergency response procedures
• Regular drills or tabletop exercises
• Trained personnel
• 24/7 emergency response phone support
• Clear internal communication steps

CHEMTREC provides SDS Solutions to help organizations manage safety data sheet authoring, access, and distribution, supporting faster access to product-specific hazard information when it is needed.

CHEMTREC also offers hazmat training designed to help professionals stay current with hazardous materials regulations and safe handling, packaging, and shipping practices.

Conclusion

The Emergency Response Guidebook helps first responders make faster, safer decisions during the first minutes of a hazmat incident. By combining ERG guidance with training, emergency planning, current SDS information, and 24/7 support from CHEMTREC, organizations can improve readiness and support more informed response decisions when every minute matters.

Need 24/7 support during hazardous materials incidents? Learn more about CHEMTREC Emergency Response services.