2016 Emergency Response Guidebook (PDF Download Available)

Hello, reader! Times change, and so does the Emergency Response Guidebook. A new version of the Guidebook is now available for 2020. Major changes include:

• Updates to many sections of the Guide to improve clarity and understanding
• Decontamination procedures added for spills
• More information on identifying lithium batteries
• Information on Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDS)
• Improvements to the illustrations in the Rail Car and Road Trailer Identification charts
• Removal of out of date materials, and the addition of fifteen new materials
• A reclassification of some materials to more appropriate response guides
• A new section on how to use the Orange (response) pages
• The Orange pages have been reviewed and improved with the help of instructors from the United States National Fire Academy (NFA) to ensure the  most appropriate modern procedures are recommended

You can read more about the new 2020 Emergency Response Guide here and purchase a new copy through our online catalogue.

This post was originally published in March 2018 and has been updated in August 2020 for accuracy.

The 2016 ERG is Valid Until 2020

The Emergency Response Guidebook published by the US Department of Transportation, developed jointly with Transport Canada and the Secretariat of Transport and Communications is used by firefighters, police, and other emergency response personnel who may be the first to arrive on the scene of a transportation incident regarding dangerous goods/hazardous materials.

The primary purpose of the Guide is to provide immediate information regarding the chemical, therefore allowing them to take appropriate action to protect themselves and the general public.

Changes and Updates You Should Know About:

• The 2016 edition includes changes such as:
  • Expanded/Revised sections on:
  • Shipping documents
  • How to use this guidebook (flowchart)
  • Table of placards and markings
  • Rail car/road trailer identification charts
  • Pipeline transportation
  • Protective clothing
  • A glossary
  • ER telephone numbers
• New Sections include:
  • Table of contents
  • Information on GHS (Globally Harmonized System of Classification and labeling of Chemicals)
  • Information about ERAP (Emergency Response Assistance Plans)
• Also …
  • Updated to the 19th revised edition
  • Updated guides

A physical copy of the ERG is required for most drivers and emergency responders.

Download the free ERG 2016 PDF

The PDF downloads of the 2016 Emergency Response Guidebook have been provided by PHMSA.