ERG2016 Now Available
PHMSA will distribute more than 1.5 million free copies of the guidebook to firefighters, emergency medical technicians, and law enforcement officers nationwide -- the goal is to have one in every public service vehicle across the country.
The U.S. Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration has released the 2016 Emergency Response Guidebook (known as ERG2016), which is an updated manual to help first responders dealing with the initial stages of hazardous materials transportation accidents. PHMSA will distribute more than 1.5 million free copies of the guidebook to firefighters, emergency medical technicians, and law enforcement officers nationwide -- the goal is to have one in every public service vehicle across the country.
Members of the public can buy a copy of the guidebook through the GPO Bookstore and other commercial suppliers.
The agency also and is asking for feedback about it from first responders, asking that they submit name, organization, contact information, and comments to [email protected].
Responders will use the ERG2016 to identify specific risks associated with compromised hazmats and the recommended safety measures and procedures they should take to protect themselves and contain the incident as fast as possible.
Nearly 14.5 million free copies of the ERG have been distributed to the emergency response community through state emergency management coordinators.
"We take the safety of this nation and its emergency responders very seriously," U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said. "Our goal is to make sure that these first responders have the most current and accurate safety guidelines possible for use during that initial phase of a hazmat incident."
"The ERG is an invaluable tool during the initial stages of any hazmat transportation emergency. Taking the proper action during those critical first minutes impacts the safety of both the first responders and the people they serve," added PHMSA Administrator Marie Therese Dominguez.