Emergency Response Guide

Emergency Response Guide

The Emergency Response Guide (ERG) is a guide for first responders during the initial phase of a dangerous goods or hazardous materials incident. Remember, never attempt to handle a material or chemical that you are not qualified to handle. “When in doubt, get out”. 
Emergency Response Guidebook

NRC: 1-800-424-8802

CHEMTREC: 1-800-424-9300

POISON CONTROL: 1-800-222-1222

CANUTEC: 1-888-226-8832

The NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) fire diamond is a symbol used to alert first responders to the hazards involved with a given material. The fire diamond is based on standards listed in the NFPA document: “Standard System for the Identification of the Hazards of Materials for Emergency Response” and is designed to be easily understood.

The fire diamond consists of 4 color-coded quadrants:

  • Red – on the top indicating fire hazard.
  • Blue – on the left indicating health hazard.
  • Yellow – on the right indicating chemical instability hazard.
  • White – on the bottom indicating special hazards.

Fire, health, and instability hazards are rated on a scale from 0 (no hazard) to 4 (severe hazard). Special hazards are listed by symbols specific to the material.

Rating NumberHealth HazardFire HazardInstability Hazard
4Can cause death or serious injuryIgnites below 73°FMay explode at normal temperatures and pressures
3Can cause serious or permanent injuryIgnites below 100°FMay explode at high temperature or shock
2Can cause temporary incapacitation or residual injuryIgnites below 200°FViolent chemical change at high temperatures and pressures
1Can cause significant irritationIgnites above 200°FUnstable at high temperatures
0Posses no health hazardWill not burnStable
Special Hazard
ACID
Acid
ALK
Alkali
COR
Corrosive
OXY
Oxidizer
SA
Simple Asphyxiate
W
Water Reactive

Biohazard

Radioactive