Emergency Response Guidebook 2012: A Guidebook for First Responders During the Initial Phase of a Dangerous Goods / Hazardous Materials Transportation Incident

The official Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) is a guide for use by transporters, firefighters, police, and other emergency services personnel who may be the first to arrive at the scene of a transportation incident involving a hazardous material. It is used by first responders in (1) quickly identifying the specific or generic classification of the material(s) involved in the incident, and (2) protecting themselves and the general public during this initial response phase of the incident. The ERG is updated every three to four years to accommodate new products and technology.

The United States Department of Transportation (USDOT or DOT) is a federal Cabinet department of the U.S. government concerned with transportation. Its mission if to "Serve the United States by ensuring a fast, safe, efficient, accessible, and convenient transportation system that meets our vital interests and enhances the quality of life of the American people, today and into the future."