All of the companies use the color red for flammability, blue for health, and yellow for reactivity as taken from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) color code system. Most chemical suppliers use white for contact hazard.

Red

The four bars are color coded, using the modern color bar symbols with blue indicating the level of health hazard, red for flammability, orange for a physical hazard, and white for Personal Protection. The number ratings range from 0-4. The Health section conveys the health hazards of the material.

The four divisions are typically color-coded with red on top indicating flammability, blue on the left indicating level of health hazard, yellow on the right for chemical reactivity, and white containing codes for special hazards.

NFPA Rating Criteria and NFPA Labels Different colors represent different types of hazards. A number rating system of 0-4 is provided to rate each of the four hazards and is placed on a placard. 0 represents the least hazardous while 4 represent the most hazardous.

The system uses a color-coded diamond with four quadrants in which numbers are used in the upper three quadrants to signal the degree of health hazard (blue), flammability hazard (red), and reactivity hazard (yellow). The bottom quadrant is used to indicate special hazards.

The ERG is divided into sections, each with its own color. The typical starting point is looking up a substance by name (blue pages), ID (UN) number (yellow pages) or image (placard, rail car, trailer). YELLOW: The yellow pages list chemicals in numerical order based on their assigned ID number (UN number).

The ERG “is primarily a guide to aid first responders in quickly identifying the specific or generic hazards of the material(s) involved in the incident, and protecting themselves and the general public during the initial response phase of the incident” and should only be used for the “initial response phase” (“that …

Yellow: In the yellow section of the book, responders can locate specific information using a material’s 4-digit United Nations (UN) number. Materials listed in the yellow section that are highlighted indicate that the substance is a toxic inhalation hazard or water reactive.

For Class 1.4 and 1.6 explosives, use GUIDE 114.

The most common method of vapor suppression is application of: A. plastic or other impermeable sheet material.

Chemical Identifiers

Members of the public may purchase a copy of the ERG through the GPO Bookstore and other commercial suppliers. First responders, we want your feedback! Submit your name, organization, contact information, and comments to [email protected] .

Do the hazmat regulations require the newest edition of the ERG? No. The Hazardous Materials Regulations do not require the use of an ERG. However, PHMSA has clarified that the most up-to-date emergency response information should be used to satisfy §172.602.

Current Requirements This information must include the immediate hazard to health; risks of fire or explosion; immediate precautions to be taken in the event of an accident; immediate methods for handling fires; initial methods for handling spills or leaks in the absence of fire; and preliminary first aid measures.

This information must be in a location that is immediately accessible to facility personnel in the event of an incident involving the hazardous material.

The emergency response information must be presented either: written on the shipping paper; attached as a separate document, which includes the basic description and technical name of the hazardous material, such as a Safety Data Sheet (SDS);