Emergency Response Guide
The Emergency Response Guide (ERG) is a guide for first responders during the initial phase of a dangerous goods or hazardous materials incident. Remember, never attempt to handle a material or chemical that you are not qualified to handle.
“When in doubt, get out.”
NRC: 1-800-424-8802
CHEMTREC: 1-800-424-9300
POISON CONTROL: 1-800-222-1222
CANUTEC: 1-888-226-8832
National Fire Prevention Association
Fire Diamond
The NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) Fire Diamond is a symbol used to alert first responders to the hazards involved with a given material. The fire diamond consists of four color-coded quadrants and is based on standards listed in the NFPA document: “Standard System for the Identification of the Hazards of Materials for Emergency Response” and is designed to be easily understood.
Red on the top indicating fire hazard.
Blue on the left indicating health hazard.
Yellow on the right indicating chemical instability hazard.
White on the bottom indicating special hazards.
Fire, health, and instability hazards are rated on a scale from 0 (no hazard) to 4 (severe hazard). Special hazards are listed by symbols specific to the material.
| Rating Number | Health Hazard | Fire Hazard | Instability Hazard |
| 4 | Can cause death or serious injury | Ignites below 73°F | May explode at normal temperatures and pressures |
| 3 | Can cause permanent injury | Ignites below 100°F | May explode at high temperature or shock |
| 2 | Can cause temporary incapacitation or residual injury | Ignites below 200°F | Violent chemical change at high temperatures and pressures |
| 1 | Can cause significant irritation | Ignites above 200°F | Unstable at high temperatures |
| 0 | Poses no health hazard | Will not burn | Stable |
| ACID Acid | ALK Alkali | COR Corrosive | OXY Oxidizer |
| SA Simple Asphyxiate | Water Reactive | ☣ Biohazard | ☢ Radioactive |
