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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 113
FLAMMABLE SOLIDS - TOXIC (Wet/Desensitized Explosive)

POTENTIAL HAZARDS

FIRE OR EXPLOSION

  • Flammable/combustible material.
  • May be ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
  • DRIED OUT material may explode if exposed to heat, flame, friction or shock; Treat as an explosive (GUIDE 112).
  • Keep material wet with water or treat as an explosive (GUIDE 112).
  • Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard.

HEALTH

  • Some are toxic and may be fatal if inhaled, swallowed or absorbed through skin.
  • Contact may cause burns to skin and eyes.
  • Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
  • Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause pollution.

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 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions.
  • 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 500 meters (1/3 mile) in all directions.
Fire
  • If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions.

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 800 meters (1/2 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.
Small Spill
  • Flush area with flooding quantities of water.
Large Spill
  • Wet down with water and dike for later disposal.
  • KEEP WETTED PRODUCT WET BY SLOWLY ADDING FLOODING QUANTITIES OF WATER.

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.

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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