Emergencies, Incidents, and Emergency Response Information
First actions at an incident
When a hazardous materials incident occurs, the driver's first priorities are to protect people, notify authorities, and avoid exposure. The driver should stop, secure the scene, keep people away, and call 911 or the emergency response number. The driver should not attempt to fight a fire or contain a spill unless trained and equipped. The emergency response information that accompanies the shipping paper identifies the material and provides initial isolation and protective action guidance.
Reporting
Certain incidents must be reported to the National Response Center and to state and local authorities. Reportable incidents include releases of a reportable quantity, fires involving hazardous materials, and situations involving death, injury, or evacuation. The shipping paper and emergency response information provide the material identification needed for the report.
Traps to watch
Questions often test whether the driver should move a leaking vehicle or leave it in place. The general answer is to stop and secure, not to keep driving to a repair facility. Another trap is the assumption that the driver must clean up the spill; unless trained and equipped, the driver should not. A third trap is failing to recognize that the emergency response information must be taken from the vehicle when the driver leaves the cab.
Worked example
A drum begins leaking in the trailer. The driver stops in a safe open area, keeps traffic and people away, calls 911 and the emergency response number, and provides the proper shipping name and UN number from the shipping paper.
Rule of thumb
Stop, secure, notify, and stay clear. Do not attempt cleanup or firefighting without training and equipment.