DOT Hazmat Emergency Response Information Guide

 

emergency response information guide for hazardous material shipments

Emergency Response Information is important for the transportation of hazardous materials, as it ensures that emergency response personnel have the correct information on how to respond to an accident. For some materials, specific personal protective equipment or fire extinguishing material is needed for safe accident response. It is the duty of the party shipping the hazardous material to appropriately relay this emergency response information.

What is Emergency Response Information for Hazardous Material Shipping?

Emergency response information, in the context of a hazardous material shipment, is the information that needs to be readily available to emergency response personnel in the event of an accident involving the hazardous material. This includes technical information about the hazardous material, an emergency response telephone number, and carrier information contact.

The full text of the requirements can be found in 49 CFR Part 172 Subpart G.

Emergency Response Technical Information

The following technical information needs to be provided. It must be available printed in English, with other language translations being optional, and available for use away from the hazardous material package, such as being attached on an outside pouch or provided in a separate folder. The information may be on a shipping paper document, safety data sheet, or other safety document.

Required Technical Information

  • Basic Description and Technical Name
    • ICAO Technical Instructions Suitable for Air Travel
    • IMDG Code suitable for Waterborne Vessel Travel
    • TDG Regulations Suitable for Ground Transport to Canada
  • Immediate Hazards to Health
  • Risks of Fire or Explosion
  • Immediate Precautions in the Event of an Accident
    • Methods for Handing Accidents Involving Fire
    • Methods for Handling Spills or Leaks Not Involving Fire
  • Preliminary First Aid Measures

Emergency Response Telephone Number

There are two key things about the emergency response telephone number; continuous monitoring and a person knowledgeable about the material.

The telephone number must be monitored at all times the hazardous material is in transportation, including storage during transportation. This often means a 24/7 monitored number. A number that goes to an answering machine does not qualify as monitored at all times.

The telephone number must be answered by a person who has knowledge about the hazardous material being shipped or who can transfer the call to a person who has that knowledge.

Carrier Information Contact

The carrier information pertains to the transportation crew, including carrier company as well as the operator of the motor vehicle. When a motor vehicle operator is transporting hazardous material, they are instructed to contact the carrier (in addition to appropriate emergency services) in the event of an incident involving the hazardous material.

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