The original copy of this document is located at http://hazmat.dot.gov/gydebook.htm on the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) web site. The following document has been reformatted from the original for access on a CD-ROM or hard drive.

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Emergency Response Guidebook Placard

The Office of Hazardous Materials Safety

...Helps You Find Emergency Procedures Quickly

The Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG2004) was developed jointly by the US Department of Transportation, Transport Canada, and the Secretariat of Communications and Transportation of Mexico (SCT) for use by firefighters, police, and other emergency services personnel who may be the first to arrive at the scene of a transportation incident involving a hazardous material. It is primarily a guide to aid first responders in (1) quickly identifying the specific or generic classification of the material(s) involved in the incident, and (2) protecting themselves and the general public during this initial response phase of the incident. The ERG is updated every three to four years to accommodate new products and technology. The next version is scheduled for 2008.

DOT's goal is to place one ERG2004 in each emergency service vehicle, nationwide, through distribution to state and local public safety authorities. To date, nearly nine million copies have been distributed without charge to the emergency responder community. Copies are made available free of charge to public emergency responders through the state coordinator (U.S. only) nearest you. In Canada, contact CANUTEC at 613-992-4624 or via Internet at canutec@tc.gc.ca for information. In Mexico, call SCT at 52-5-684-1275. Copies are also available commercially through the GPO Bookstore exiting RSPA website and other commercial vendors.

To view/print the Guide Page(s) corresponding to the material you are shipping click on the appropriate link below.

Cover of the ERG 2004 Engiish version

RSPA welcomes constructive comments for improvements to the ERG2004. Comments should be sent either by email, or in writing to the Office of Hazardous Materials Initiatives and Training, DHM-50, Research and Special Programs Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 7th St., S.W., Washington, DC 20590.


Keep information on hazardous material handling close at hand.


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