The Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) is a critical resource for first responders when handling hazardous materials incidents. The ERG provides guidance on initial response actions to protect life, property, and the environment. A key feature of the ERG is its use of color-coded sections to quickly identify hazardous materials based on their chemical and physical properties.
Overview of the ERG
The ERG is published by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). It is issued every four years with the latest edition being ERG 2020. The ERG is primarily intended for use at transportation incidents involving hazardous materials, however it can also be useful at fixed facilities.
The ERG is divided into six color-coded sections for quickly locating information on specific chemicals. The sections are:
- White – Materials Index
- Yellow – Flammable Gases
- Blue – Flammable Liquids
- Orange – Flammable Solids
- Green – Oxidizers and Organic Peroxides
- Red – Poison Inhalation Hazard (PIH)
Within each color-coded section, chemicals are arranged alphabetically. The ERG provides recommended evacuation distances and other immediate response actions for the first 30 minutes of an incident.
White Section – Materials Index
The white section serves as the index or table of contents for the ERG. It contains three tables:
- Table 1 – Chemicals in Numeric Order: Lists all 1,000+ chemicals in the ERG numerically by their 4-digit ERG number.
- Table 2 – Chemicals in Alphabetic Order: Lists the same chemicals alphabetically by their chemical name.
- Table 3 – ID Numbers: Cross-references various identification number systems with the ERG number.
First responders can use Tables 1, 2 or 3 to look up the ERG number for a material. They would then turn to the indicated color-coded section to find the response recommendations.
Yellow Section – Flammable Gases
The yellow section provides response information for over 70 flammable gases. Some examples include:
- Ammonia
- Butane
- Hexane
- Hydrogen
- Methane
- Propane
This section is yellow because flammable gases pose the hazard of fire and explosion if ignited. Responders need to be aware of this risk when handling a flammable gas incident.
Blue Section – Flammable Liquids
The blue section addresses over 120 flammable liquids. Some common examples are:
- Acetone
- Diesel fuel
- Gasoline
- Jet fuels
- Kerosene
- Paint thinner
- Turpentine
Again, the blue is due to the fire hazard presented by flammable liquids. Caution must be used to prevent ignition sources when mitigating a flammable liquid spill.
Orange Section – Flammable Solids
The orange section provides response recommendations for approximately 60 flammable solids, including:
- Calcium phosphide
- Magnesium
- Potassium
- Sodium
- Sulfur
- Titanium powders
Flammable solids can ignite and burn intensely in the right conditions. The orange color cues responders to the fire risk of these materials.
Green Section – Oxidizers and Organic Peroxides
The green section covers over 60 oxidizing materials and organic peroxides. Some examples are:
- Ammonium nitrate
- Bromine
- Calcium hypochlorite
- Chlorine
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Potassium permanganate
- Sodium nitrate
Oxidizers can provide oxygen to accelerate combustion. Organic peroxides are prone to decomposition. The green section helps responders identify materials that can intensify fire or create explosions.
Red Section – Poison Inhalation Hazards
The red section addresses around 60 chemicals that are especially toxic if inhaled. Some examples include:
- Arsine
- Chlorine
- Diborane
- Hydrogen chloride
- Hydrogen fluoride
- Nitric oxide
- Phosgene
Poison inhalation hazards require specialized protective equipment and response tactics. The red section alerts first responders to take proper precautions against extremely toxic gases.
Number of Chemicals in Each Section
In summary, the number of chemicals covered in each color-coded section of the ERG is:
| Section Color | Number of Chemicals |
| Yellow – Flammable Gases | 70+ |
| Blue – Flammable Liquids | 120+ |
| Orange – Flammable Solids | 60+ |
| Green – Oxidizers | 60+ |
| Red – Poison Inhalation Hazards | 60+ |
Having different colored sections allows first responders to quickly locate chemicals based on their hazard class. The ERG provides critical information to help protect emergency responders and the public when handling hazardous materials accidents.
Using the ERG Effectively
To use the ERG effectively at a hazardous materials incident, first responders should:
- Consult the white section to identify the ERG number for the material involved
- Turn to the indicated color-coded section and look up the material by name
- Follow the response recommendations provided
- Evacuate or shelter-in-place as advised based on the material and conditions
- Avoid ignition sources for flammable materials
- Use proper protective equipment and tactics for toxic substances
- Be alert for any situation that could worsen during the initial response phase
With its color-coded system, the ERG provides first responders with critical information to safely and effectively respond to the first 30 minutes of a hazardous materials incident. Proper training on how to use the ERG is essential.
Conclusion
The Emergency Response Guidebook contains six color-coded sections to quickly locate information on over 300 hazardous chemicals. The sections are:
- White – Materials Index
- Yellow – Flammable Gases (70+ chemicals)
- Blue – Flammable Liquids (120+ chemicals)
- Orange – Flammable Solids (60+ chemicals)
- Green – Oxidizers (60+ chemicals)
- Red – Poison Inhalation Hazards (60+ chemicals)
Using the ERG’s color-coded system allows first responders to rapidly identify the hazards and initial response actions for materials involved in transportation incidents. Proper use of the ERG is critical for safely responding to the first 30 minutes of a hazardous materials emergency.