Emergency Response and Incident Procedures
When a hazmat incident occurs, the first priority is people: protect yourself, then the public, then property. The driver's immediate actions are to stop, turn off the engine, set the brake, and get away from the vehicle-upwind and uphill if possible. Do not attempt to fight a fire involving hazmat unless you are trained and it is safe; many hazmat fires are extinguished only by trained responders. Call 911 and report the location, material (from the shipping paper or placard), and any injuries. Use the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)-know that it is organized by guide number and by UN/NA number (yellow pages by ID number, blue by name, orange by guide). The ERG tells you initial isolation distances and protective actions. Traps: questions suggest moving a leaking package by hand (no), or that you should try to contain a spill yourself (only if trained and safe). Also know the isolation concept: keep people away and upwind. Rule of thumb: stop, get away, call 911, consult the ERG-do not become a victim. Worked example: A drum of chlorine (Class 2.3, toxic gas) leaks at a dock. Move upwind and uphill, call 911, give the UN number and name, and use the ERG guide for toxic gas-do not approach to plug the leak.