The DOT Emergency Response Guide

This section is intended to introduce you to the DOT Emergency Response Guide which follows in this
PDF document. First read pages 1 – 25 of the ERG, then read pages 358 – 386 of the ERG. After you
finish your reading complete the two exercises below using the ERG.

Information for Chemical Emergencies

Using the DOT Emergency Response Guidebook, answer the following questions as they apply to each
of the hazardous materials listed.

1. What are the fire hazards associated with this material?

2. What type of protective clothing is necessary for a safe response?

3. If a large release of this material occurs, what is the recommended isolation distance?

4. What is the primary hazard associated with this material?

Anhydrous Ammonia

1.

2.

3.

4.

Phosphoric Acid

1.

2.

3.

4.

Carbon Dioxide, Refrigerated Liquid

1.
2.

3.

4.

Vinyl Chloride

1.

2.

3.

4.

Sodium Chlorate

1.

2.

3.

4.
 DOT EMERGENCY RESPONSE GUIDEBOOK
Using the DOT Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG), answer the questions following each scenario.

Scenario One
You respond to a call for a suspicious odor coming from a small delivery van that is placarded with a
FLAMMABLE GAS placard. The driver indicates that there may be a leak in the fuel system.

1. What kind(s) of material may be involved at this incident?

2. Does structural fire fighting gear and positive pressure self-controlled breathing apparatus provide any
protection for HAZMAT Responders?

3. According to the ERG, what actions are appropriate at this incident?

4. What is the primary risk when dealing with this product?

Scenario Two

Night shift personnel at a chemical warehouse are using a fork-lift to unload 55-gallon drums from a
tractor trailer. The trailer is placarded CORROSIVE and shipping papers include the UN identification
number 1824 for the product. During unloading, several drums fall from a pallet. One of the drums strikes
a worker and begins to leak its contents. When you arrive, the worker has been removed from the liquid
but his clothing is saturated and he is having trouble breathing.

1. Can you assist the injured worker? Where in the ERG can this information be obtained?
2. What specific actions would you take in assisting the worker?

Scenario Three

You are called to an incident involving a delivery van. The driver of the van meets you when you arrive
and informs you that the van is carrying phenyl mercaptan in small containers and that a number of them
are leaking.

1. Is it necessary to isolate around this incident? If so, how far around the incident should you attempt to
isolate?