Emergency response, incident reporting, and spill procedures
First actions at a scene
Stop, protect the area, notify. Keep people upwind and back, shut off the engine, and never fight a fire you are not trained and equipped for. Use the shipping paper and ERG guide number to identify the material before you approach.
Who to call
Call 911 and the 24-hour emergency number printed on the shipping paper. Reportable releases also go to the National Response Center at 1-800-424-8802. Notify the carrier immediately.
When immediate notice is mandatory
Under 49 CFR 171.15 the carrier must give notice as soon as practical when a hazmat incident involves:
- a death, or an injury requiring hospitalization;
- property damage at or above the regulatory dollar threshold;
- evacuation of the public for more than an hour, or closure of a major transportation artery or facility;
- an unintentional release from a package, or a package that fails to retain its contents. A written report on DOT Form 5800.1 then goes to the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration within 30 days.
Spills
Do not try to stop a leak in an unknown material. Do not walk through the product, smoke, or use flares. Dike only if you can do it safely, keep product out of drains and waterways, and stay clear until responders release you.
Parking and attendance
A vehicle carrying Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 explosives must be attended at all times and may not be parked within 5 feet of the traveled portion of a highway or within 300 feet of a bridge, tunnel, dwelling, or place where people gather. Other hazmat may be left unattended only on carrier property, at an approved site, or at a designated rest area.
Worked example
A gasoline tanker rolls onto its side with a slow drip. Get upwind, call 911, tell responders "gasoline, UN1203, Guide 128," call the emergency number and the carrier, and let trained responders handle the product.
Traps that cost marks
Waiting for the carrier before calling 911; missing the 30-day written report; assuming a small drip needs no notice.