HazMat Transportation Incidents: Using the Emergency Response
Guidebook The Emergency Response Guidebook* (ERG2008) is a tool
for first responders to use during the initial phase of a
transportation incident involving hazardous materials. It is
intended for firefighters, police, and other emergency services
personnel who may be the first to arrive at the scene of the
incident. It is primarily designed 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. By using the ERG, public health workers
will become more aware of the hazardous materials being used in
or transported through their communities. This should make them
better able to prepare their local health department's response
plan for an appropriate response. By becoming familiar with the
ERG, public health professionals will also be more knowledgeable
in talking to other