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 Number | Health Hazard | Fire Hazard | Instability Hazard |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | Can cause death or serious injury | Ignites below 73°F | May explode at normal temperatures and pressures |
| 3 | Can cause serious or permanent injury | Ignites below 100°F | May explode at high temperature or shock |
| 2 | Can cause temporary incapacitation or residual injury | Ignites below 200°F | Violent chemical change at high temperatures and pressures |
| 1 | Can cause significant irritation | Ignites above 200°F | Unstable at high temperatures |
| 0 | Posses no health hazard | Will not burn | Stable |
| ACID Acid | ALK Alkali | COR Corrosive | OXY Oxidizer |
| SA Simple Asphyxiate | Water Reactive | ☣ Biohazard | ☢ Radioactive |