Erg White Pages Flashcards
What is the purpose of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)?
The ERG assists first responders during the initial 30 minutes of a hazardous materials transportation incident. Its goals are: To identify hazards using UN/NA numbers, placards, or container types. To provide initial guidance for fire, spills, or leaks. To ensure responder and public safety by recommending isolation distances and evacuation actions.
Key Use Case: A tanker truck accident occurs, and responders use the ERG to identify the material and determine necessary protective actions.
How is the ERG structured and color-coded?
White Pages: Instructions, hazard classifications, placard descriptions, general guidance, and additional information. Yellow Pages: Materials listed by UN/NA number (numerical order). Blue Pages: Materials listed by name (alphabetical order). Orange Pages: Guides with safety recommendations and emergency response actions for specific materials. Green Pages: Protective action distances for toxic inhalation hazards (TIH), water-reactive substances, and certain explosives.
Key Takeaway: The ERG’s structure ensures responders can quickly find relevant information based on what is observed at the scene.
What is the DOT hazard classification system?
Nine Classes of Hazardous Materials: 1. Explosives: (e.g., dynamite, fireworks). 2. Gases: Flammable, non-flammable, and toxic (e.g., propane, chlorine). 3. Flammable Liquids: Flashpoints below 140°F (e.g., gasoline). 4. Flammable Solids: Easily ignitable materials (e.g., magnesium). 5. Oxidizers: Release oxygen to fuel combustion (e.g., hydrogen peroxide). 6. Toxic/Infectious Substances: Poisonous or biologically harmful (e.g., cyanide, medical waste). 7. Radioactive Materials: Emit ionizing radiation (e.g., uranium). 8. Corrosives: Destroy living tissue or metals (e.g., sulfuric acid). 9. Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods: Other hazardous substances (e.g., lithium batteries).
Key Takeaway: Hazard classes are the foundation for understanding risks and choosing appropriate response actions.
What are the key components of hazardous material placards?
Placard Elements: UN/NA Number: Identifies the material (e.g., UN1203 for gasoline). Hazard Class: Displays the primary danger (e.g., flammable, toxic). Color Coding: Red: Flammable. Green: Non-flammable gas. Orange: Explosives. White: Toxic/infectious. Black and White: Corrosive. Symbol: Pictorial representation of the hazard.
Key Takeaway: Placards provide vital clues for identifying hazardous materials during incidents.
What information is provided by shipping documents?
Shipping Documents Include: Proper Shipping Name: (e.g., “Sulfuric Acid”). UN/NA Number: (e.g., UN1830). Hazard Class: Indicates the type of hazard (e.g., Class 8 - Corrosive). Packing Group: Categorizes the severity of the hazard: I = High danger. II = Medium danger. III = Low danger. Emergency Contact Information. Location of Documents: Highway: Cab of the truck. Rail: With the conductor. Air: With the pilot. Marine: On the bridge.
Key Use Case: After isolating an area, responders can confirm the material’s hazards by retrieving shipping documents.
What actions should responders take when the hazardous material is unknown?
Response Steps for Unknown Materials: 1. Isolate the Area: Evacuate a radius of at least 100 meters (330 feet). 2. Position Upwind, Uphill, and Upstream: Minimize exposure. 3. Refer to Guide 111: This guide covers unidentified hazards. 4. Look for Clues: Placards, container types, labels, shipping documents. 5. Call CHEMTREC or Emergency Resources: Obtain expert guidance.
Key Takeaway: Treat unknown substances as highly hazardous and prioritize safety.
What are the initial isolation and protective action distances?
Initial Isolation Distance: The distance within which all persons should evacuate immediately. Found in the Green Pages for specific chemicals. Protective Action Distance: The downwind distance to protect people from toxic gases or other hazards. Based on the size of the spill and weather conditions.
Key Use Case: For chlorine gas, the Green Pages recommend isolating a minimum of 100 meters and evacuating 800 meters downwind.
What guidance does the ERG provide for pipeline incidents?
Pipeline Response Guidelines: 1. Identify pipeline markers: Product name. Operator’s name and contact info. 2. Notify the operator immediately. 3. Isolate the area and evacuate based on the material. 4. Anticipate secondary hazards, such as fires or toxic plumes.
Key Use Case: For a natural gas pipeline rupture, responders isolate 100 meters and contact the operator for further instructions.
What is BLEVE, and how do responders mitigate the risks?
BLEVE (Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion): Occurs when a pressurized liquid container is exposed to heat, causing a rupture and explosion. Mitigation Steps: Evacuate the area immediately. Apply cooling water from a safe distance to reduce internal pressure. Avoid positioning directly in front of or behind the container.
Key Takeaway: BLEVEs pose extreme risks, so evacuation is the priority.
What does the ERG recommend for lithium-ion battery fires?
Response Guidelines: Use large amounts of water to cool the battery. Do not use foam or dry chemicals (ineffective). Be aware of thermal runaway, where heat causes the battery to reignite. Ventilate the area to avoid exposure to toxic fumes.
Key Use Case: In an electric vehicle fire, responders flood the battery compartment with water to extinguish flames.
