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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 158
INFECTIOUS SUBSTANCES

POTENTIAL HAZARDS

HEALTH

  • Inhalation or contact with substance may cause infection, disease or death.
  • Runoff from fire control may cause pollution.
  • Note: Damaged packages containing solid CO2 as a refrigerant may produce water or frost from condensation of air. Do not touch this liquid as it could be contaminated by the contents of the parcel.

FIRE OR EXPLOSION

  • Some of these materials may burn, but none ignite readily.
  • Some may be transported in flammable liquids.

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 for at least 25 meters (75 feet) in all directions.
  • Keep unauthorized personnel away.
  • Stay upwind.
  • Obtain identity of substance involved.

PROTECTIVE CLOTHING

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

EMERGENCY RESPONSE

FIRE

Small Fire
  • Dry chemical, soda ash, lime or sand.
Large Fire
  • Use extinguishing agent suitable for type of surrounding fire.
  • Do not scatter spilled material with high pressure water streams.
  • Move containers from fire area if you can do it without risk.

SPILL OR LEAK

  • Do not touch or walk through spilled material.
  • Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing.
  • Absorb with earth, sand or other non-combustible material.
  • Cover damaged package or spilled material with damp towel or rag and keep wet with liquid bleach or other disinfectant.
  • DO NOT CLEAN-UP OR DISPOSE OF, EXCEPT UNDER SUPERVISION OF A SPECIALIST.

FIRST AID

  • Move victim to a safe isolated area.
CAUTION: Victim may be a source of contamination.
  • Call 911 or emergency medical service.
  • 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.
  • Effects of exposure (inhalation, ingestion or skin contact) to substance may be delayed.
  • For further assistance, contact your local Poison Control Center.
  • 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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