Hazmat Incident Information and ERG Overview

Hazmat Incident Information Sources

• Observations, reports from bystanders, and victim accounts provide vital information during a Hazmat incident.
• Look for labels, placards, shipping papers, and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for hazard specifics.
• Emergency response vehicles must carry the most recent edition of the DOT Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) for reference, available as a mobile app.

Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

• ERG contains critical information on substance properties and hazard identification.
• It includes placard meanings and recommended isolation distances.
• Nine recognized chemical families are classified as DOT Class 1 through 9:
  • Class 1: Explosives
  • Class 2: Gases
  • Class 3: Flammable and combustible liquids
  • Class 4: Flammable solids, spontaneously combustible materials, water-reactive substances
  • Class 5: Oxidizing substances, organic peroxides
  • Class 6: Toxic and infectious substances
  • Class 7: Radioactive materials
  • Class 8: Corrosive substances
  • Class 9: Miscellaneous hazardous materials

Hazard Marking Systems

• The USD marking system employs labels, placards, and markings for Hazmat transport in the U.S. and Canada.
• Placards are diamond-shaped indicators placed on vehicles to represent broad hazard classes.
• The United Nations and North American coding system employs four-digit numbers for specific Hazmat identification.
• Labels are smaller than placards and indicate hazards specific to smaller packages.

Minimum Marking Requirements

• Not all chemical shipments require placarding; specific quantities of Hazmat must be present.

Documentation for Hazard Identification

• Bill of lading or freight bill carried by the truck driver provides transport details.
• Waybill or manifest used for rail transport outlines Hazmat specifics.
• Dangerous cargo manifest and air bills provide information for maritime and air transport, respectively.

Additional Resources

• Dispatchers can gather information from sources like KEMRA, which has a comprehensive chemical database.
• Essential information for KEMRA includes:
  • Chemical name, caller identification, incident location, shipper/manufacturer info, container type, carrier name, recipient details, local conditions, and situation description.

Fixed Facility Marking Systems

• NFPA 704 system features a placard with four diamonds indicating specific hazards.
  • Red: Fire hazard level
  • Blue: Health hazard level
  • White: Special information
  • Yellow: Reactivity hazard level
• Hazard levels rated from 0 (no hazard) to 4 (high risk).

Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

• Obtain SDS from permanent facilities for detailed hazard information.
• SDS provides chemical composition, potential hazards, first aid measures, and safe handling instructions.

Hazmat Incident Information Sources

• Observations and victim accounts are crucial for assessing Hazmat incidents.
• Important documents include labels, placards, shipping papers, and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for understanding hazards.
• Emergency response vehicles should carry the latest DOT Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) for immediate guidance; available as a mobile app.

Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

• ERG provides essential information on hazardous substance properties and identification.
• It contains meanings of placards and guidelines for recommended isolation distances.
• Classifications under DOT include:
  • Class 1: Explosives
  • Class 2: Gases
  • Class 3: Flammable and combustible liquids
  • Class 4: Flammable solids, spontaneously combustible materials, water-reactive substances
  • Class 5: Oxidizing substances, organic peroxides
  • Class 6: Toxic and infectious substances
  • Class 7: Radioactive materials
  • Class 8: Corrosive substances
  • Class 9: Miscellaneous hazardous materials

Hazard Marking Systems

• The USD marking system uses labels, placards, and markings for Hazmat transport in the U.S. and Canada.
• Diamond-shaped placards on vehicles indicate broad hazard classes.
• The UN and North American coding system uses four-digit numbers for precise Hazmat identification.
• Labels convey specific hazards associated with smaller packages.

Minimum Marking Requirements

• Not all chemical shipments must be placarded; only those above specific Hazmat quantity thresholds require marking.

Documentation for Hazard Identification

• The bill of lading or freight bill carried by truck drivers details transport specifics.
• For rail transport, a waybill or manifest provides Hazmat information.
• Dangerous cargo manifests and air bills convey information for maritime and air transport respectively.

Additional Resources

• Dispatchers can utilize KEMRA, a chemical database, for gathering information.
• Key details in KEMRA include chemical name, incident location, type of container, carrier name, and situation description.

Fixed Facility Marking Systems

• NFPA 704 system features a placard with colored diamonds indicating specific hazard types:
  • Red signifies fire hazard level.
  • Blue indicates health hazard level.
  • Yellow signifies reactivity hazard level.
  • White represents special hazards.
• Hazards rated from 0 (no hazard) to 4 (high risk).

Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

• SDS must be obtained from facilities for comprehensive hazard details.
• SDS includes chemical composition, potential hazards, first aid instructions, and handling guidelines.

Explore essential information sources during a Hazmat incident, including observations, labels, and the role of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG). This quiz covers chemical classifications, hazard specifics, and recommended safety precautions. Test your knowledge on how to effectively respond to hazardous materials emergencies.