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Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

This is an online version of the 2008 Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) which is produced by the USDOT for first responders during the initial phase of a Dangerous goods/Hazardous Materials incident. Have you ever wondered what those four digit numbers on the placards on the side of trucks and rail cars mean? Our online ERG will give you your answer.

ERG Menu

GUIDE 112
EXPLOSIVES* - DIVISION 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.5 OR 1.6; CLASS A OR B

POTENTIAL HAZARDS

FIRE OR EXPLOSION

  • MAY EXPLODE AND THROW FRAGMENTS 1600 meters (1 MILE) OR MORE IF FIRE REACHES CARGO.
  • For information on Compatibility Group letters, refer to Glossary section.

HEALTH

  • Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.

PUBLIC SAFETY

  • CALL Emergency Response Telephone Number on Shipping Paper first. If Shipping Paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover.
  • Isolate spill or leak area immediately for at least 500 meters (1/3 mile) in all directions.
  • Move people out of line of sight of the scene and away from windows.
  • Keep unauthorized personnel away.
  • Stay upwind.
  • Ventilate closed spaces before entering.

PROTECTIVE CLOTHING

  • Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
  • Structural firefighters' protective clothing will only provide limited protection.

EVACUATION

Large Spill
  • Consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions.
Fire
  • If rail car or trailer is involved in a fire and heavily encased explosives such as bombs or artillery projectiles are suspected, ISOLATE for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions;
also, initiate evacuation including emergency responders for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions.
  • When heavily encased explosives are not involved, evacuate the area for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions.
  • For information on Compatibility Group letters, refer to the Glossary section.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE

FIRE

CARGO Fire
  • DO NOT fight fire when fire reaches cargo! Cargo may EXPLODE!
  • Stop all traffic and clear the area for at least 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions and let burn.
  • Do not move cargo or vehicle if cargo has been exposed to heat.
TIRE or VEHICLE Fire
  • Use plenty of water - FLOOD it! If water is not available, use CO2, dry chemical or dirt.
  • If possible, and WITHOUT RISK, use unmanned hose holders or monitor nozzles from maximum distance to prevent fire from spreading to cargo area.
  • Pay special attention to tire fires as re-ignition may occur. Stand by with extinguisher ready.

SPILL OR LEAK

  • ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames in immediate area).
  • All equipment used when handling the product must be grounded.
  • Do not touch or walk through spilled material.
  • DO NOT OPERATE RADIO TRANSMITTERS WITHIN 100 meters (330 feet) OF ELECTRIC DETONATORS.
  • DO NOT CLEAN-UP OR DISPOSE OF, EXCEPT UNDER SUPERVISION OF A SPECIALIST.

FIRST AID

  • Move victim to fresh air.
  • Call 911 or emergency medical service.
  • Give artificial respiration if victim is not breathing.
  • Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult.
  • Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes.
  • In case of contact with substance, immediately flush skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes.
  • Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved and take precautions to protect themselves.
  • For information on "Compatibility Group" letters, refer to the Glossary section.

Data Source for our online 2008 ERG

This information was compiled from the 2008 Emergency Response Guidebook (2008 ERG) which is produced by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

(Data last updated/verified: Oct. 2, 2011)

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Disclaimer

WARNING: These pages are for general reference and educational purposes only and MUST NOT be relied upon as a sole source to determine regulatory compliance or where matters of life and health are concerned. This site and the author do not warrant or guarantee the accuracy or the sufficiency of the information provided and do not assume any responsibility for its use.

To ensure regulatory compliance when transporting hazardous materials or dangerous goods, one must receive proper training and certification from a qualified instructor and refer to the current year's Code of Federal Regulations Title 49 (49CFR) or your country's shipping regulations. In matters regarding workplace safety, refer to current OSHA regulations (29CFR) and NIOSH guidelines or your own country's health and safety regulations. No one should ever enter into a hazardous environment without proper training from qualified instructors.

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