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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 148
ORGANIC PEROXIDES (Heat and Contamination Sensitive / Temperature Controlled)

POTENTIAL HAZARDS

FIRE OR EXPLOSION

  • May explode from heat, contamination or loss of temperature control.
  • These materials are particularly sensitive to temperature rises. Above a given Control Temperature they decompose violently and catch fire.
  • May ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.).
  • May ignite spontaneously if exposed to air.
  • May be ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
  • May burn rapidly with flare-burning effect.
  • Containers may explode when heated.
  • Runoff may create fire or explosion hazard.

HEALTH

  • Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
  • Ingestion or contact (skin, eyes) with substance may cause severe injury or burns.
  • 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.
  • As an immediate precautionary measure, isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.
  • Keep unauthorized personnel away.
  • Stay upwind.
  • Keep out of low areas.
  • DO NOT allow the substance to warm up. Obtain liquid nitrogen, dry ice or ice for cooling. If none can be obtained, evacuate the area immediately.

PROTECTIVE CLOTHING

  • Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
  • Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer. It may provide little or no thermal protection.
  • Structural firefighters' protective clothing will only provide limited protection.

EVACUATION

Large Spill
  • Consider initial evacuation for at least 250 meters (800 feet).
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

  • The temperature of the substance must be maintained at or below the Control Temperature at all times.
Small Fire
  • Water spray or fog is preferred; if water not available use dry chemical, CO2 or regular foam.
Large Fire
  • Flood fire area with water from a distance.
  • Use water spray or fog; do not use straight streams.
  • Do not move cargo or vehicle if cargo has been exposed to heat.
  • Move containers from fire area if you can do it without risk.
Fire involving Tanks or Car/Trailer Loads
  • Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned hose holders or monitor nozzles.
  • Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out.
  • BEWARE OF POSSIBLE CONTAINER EXPLOSION.
  • ALWAYS stay away from tanks engulfed in fire.
  • For massive fire, use unmanned hose holders or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn.

SPILL OR LEAK

  • ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames in immediate area).
  • Keep combustibles (wood, paper, oil, etc.) away from spilled material.
  • Do not touch or walk through spilled material.
  • Stop leak if you can do it without risk.
Small Spill
  • Take up with inert, damp, non-combustible material using clean non-sparking tools and place into loosely covered plastic containers for later disposal.
Large Spill
  • Dike far ahead of liquid spill for later disposal.
  • Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas.
  • 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.
  • Contaminated clothing may be a fire risk when dry.
  • Remove material from skin immediately.
  • In case of contact with substance, immediately flush skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes.
  • Keep victim warm and quiet.
  • 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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