2024 ERG - Emergency Response Guidebook

What is the Emergency Response Guidebook?

The Emergency Response Guidebook, also known as the ERG, is a compact book, loaded with important lifesaving information that is used when responding to transportation emergencies involving hazardous materials.

How often is the ERG updated?

The ERG is updated every four years. The current version is the 2020 ERG with the 2024 ERG expected to be released in late Spring of 2024.

Who should have an ERG?

If your company or workers use hazardous materials in any way, you should have copies of the ERG on hand. It goes without saying that all first responders should have a copy of the ERG. The information can be used by First responders and anyone working with the hazmat to minimize the risk of injury or death in case of an incident. However, it’s also recommended that anyone that handles chemicals or anyone that ships, transports, or loads hazmat should have a copy of the ERG.

What are the ERG section colors and what do they mean?

The ERG is divided into five colored sections, which help you easily navigate through the pages and identify safety procedures when you are looking for information. The colored sections include:

• All white pages, found in the front and back of the ERG, provide information for:
  • Instructions on how to use the ERG
  • General safety precautions
  • Notification and request for technical information
  • Hazard classification
  • Identification charts for markings, labels, placards, cargo tanks, and rail cars
  • Fire and spill control measures
• Yellow bordered pages are arranged in order by UN or ID number and provide the guide numbers for the material.
• Blue bordered pages are arranged in order by proper shipping name and provide the guide numbers for the material.
• Orange bordered pages include the actual response guides. Each of the guides provides safety recommendations and directions on how to proceed during the initial response phase of the incident. The guides provide information for:
  • Fire or explosion risks
  • Health
  • Protective clothing needed
  • Evacuation
  • Fire mitigation
  • Spill or leaks
  • First aid measures
• Green bordered pages provide initial evacuation or shelter in place distances (protective action distances) for spills of materials that are Toxic-by-Inhalation (TIH).

Are there any regulatory requirements to have an ERG?

Not specifically. The Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) requires anyone that ships or transports hazardous materials to provide the most current emergency response information for those materials. One of the ways to provide the emergency response information is to use the most current ERG. The ERG is a guidance document created to assist first responders during the initial phase of a hazmat accident or incident. Since it is a guidance document and not a regulatory requirement, you will not find it in the HMR.

Can I use and older version of the ERG?

Technically, yes. If you are using the ERG to satisfy the emergency response information requirements, the HMR requires you to use the most current information available and it is possible that older versions of the ERG may still have the most current information available for your material. However, every four years the ERG is updated and most of the information inside is changed in one way or another and keeping track of those changes is a monumental task. It’s recommended that you use the most current ERG available to avoid violations for outdated emergency response information.

What are the anticipated changes for the 2024 ERG?

We won’t know for sure until PHMSA releases the 2024 ERG. However, during an ERG update meeting, PHMSA did mention to anticipate the following changes to the 2024 ERG:

• Adding a QR code to reporting incidents
• Adding information for electric vehicles
• Expanding several guides, including 115 and 140
• Updating the Marking, Labeling, and Placard ID charts located in the front of the ERG
• Giving first aid guidance and chem warfare/biological agents their own sections
• Adding/Removing several UN/ID numbers from the ERG to harmonize with the HMR

What formats and languages does the ERG come in?

The ERG comes in soft bound and spiral formats. You also have two sizes to choose from, standard size (5-1/2” x 7-1/2”) and pocket size (4” x 5-1/2”). It is available in English and Spanish.

Is it possible to use the ERG in electronic format?

If you are using the ERG as one of the options to provide emergency response information when transporting hazardous materials, the Hazardous Materials Regulations requires that it is in hard copy (printed) format. All other uses for the ERG can be in electronic format.

Can the ERG be used to supplement safety training?

Absolutely! The ERG contains a wealth of safety information for thousands of hazardous materials and chemicals that would be an excellent fit for any safety training. For example, the orange pages of the ERG provide information on:

• Potential hazards for fire, explosion, and health
• Protective equipment that may be needed
• Recommendations on what to do for spills or leaks
• Evacuation distances
• First aid guidance

As a driver, what can I use the ERG for?

Driver’s transporting hazardous materials are present when the accident or incident occurs. Driver’s can use the information in the ERG to help keep themselves and the general public safe until first responders arrive on scene. The ERG can also be used by drivers as a backup plan in case the shipper fails to provide or provides the incorrect emergency response information for the hazardous materials being transported.

We’re a manufacturer and use chemicals in a lot of our processes, how can we utilize the ERG?

In this case, the ERG can be used to help develop safety procedures for the chemicals you use in your processes. The ERG can also be used to create an emergency response plan or quick reaction guide should you have a leak or spill.

If I’m a shipper, how do I use the ERG?

Most shippers use the ERG to provide the emergency response information that is required to be provided when shipping hazardous materials. However, shippers can also utilize the ERG to supplement safety training programs or use them to help create emergency response plans for the workplace.