662 HAZWOPER for General Site Workers III

The DOT Emergency Response Guide

Here’s a brief summary on how to use the ERG as summarized on Page 1 of the ERG 2024:

1. Identify the Hazardous Material: Look for the ID number, name, or placard on the material or container. This information is crucial for finding the right guide.
2. Find the Guide Number: Use the ID number in the Yellow Index Section or material name in the Blue Index Section to locate the corresponding guide number in the ERG. The guide numbers are sorted and indexed for quick reference.
• Reference Table 1 in the Green Tables Section if there is no fire.
• Reference the Orange Guide Section if there is a fire.
3. Safety Recommendations: Once you've found the appropriate guide, follow its safety recommendations carefully. This includes initial isolation and protective action distances, potential hazards, public safety information, and emergency response actions.
4. Use the Safety Guides: The ERG contains safety guides for different types of hazardous materials. Each guide provides specific instructions on handling incidents involving that material, including firefighting, first aid, and evacuation measures.
5. Consult the Table of Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances: This table offers guidance on the initial isolation zone and protective action distances based on the material involved and the nature of the incident (such as a spill or fire).
6. Refer to the Green-bordered Pages: For materials that are toxic by inhalation, refer to the green-bordered pages in the ERG for specific guidance on protective action distances and other relevant information.
7. Utilize the Emergency Response Telephone Number: In cases where further information or assistance is needed, use the emergency response telephone number provided in the ERG to get help from the appropriate emergency response organization.

Colored Indexes and Guides

The ERG is organized into color-coded sections to help users quickly find the information they need during an emergency involving hazardous materials. Here's what each color indicates:

Yellow-bordered List by ID Numbers: (Pages 28-87) This section lists hazardous materials in numerical order based on their four-digit UN/NA (United Nations/North American) ID numbers. This section is used to quickly identify a substance involved in an incident by its ID number and to find the corresponding guide number for managing the emergency response.

Blue-bordered List by Name of Material: (Pages 88-147) This section lists hazardous materials alphabetically by name. Like the yellow section, it's used to identify the substance involved in an incident and to find the corresponding guide number. It's particularly useful when the ID number of the hazardous material is not available, and responders have to rely on the name of the substance.

Orange-bordered Guides: (148-279) This section contains the actual safety guides. Each guide number corresponds to a specific type of hazardous material or group of materials with similar characteristics. The guides provide detailed information on the initial actions responders should take, including public safety guidelines, potential hazards, and emergency response information such as evacuation distances, firefighting measures, and first aid instructions.

Green-bordered Tables: (Pages 288-343 )These tables are specifically for substances that are toxic by inhalation. The tables provide recommended evacuation distances (Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances) for spills or leaks involving these substances. The distances vary depending on the quantity of the material released and whether the incident occurs during the day or at night. The tables critical for planning protective actions to safeguard the public and responders from toxic vapors.

Remember, the ERG is designed to be a first-response tool, providing immediate guidance to ensure the safety of both responders and the public. It is not a comprehensive manual but a guide to assist in the initial stages of an incident involving hazardous materials. Always follow local protocols and procedures in addition to what’s recommended in the ERG.

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