Sound Management of Chemicals (SMC) in Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs)

Tool: Emergency Response Guidebook


This guide aims to support first responders in:
- quickly identifying the specific or generic hazards of the material(s) involved in the incident on a highway or railway
- protecting themselves and the general public during the initial response phase of the incident
- making initial decisions upon arriving at the scene of a dangerous goods incident

SMC Category Emergency preparedness and Response
Subcategories Preparedness to Accidents and Emergencies, Response to accidents
SME Activity Transportation to and from company
Resource Type Online resource, Downloadable document
Author Government agencies of Canada, Mexico, and USA
Company type Industrial users of chemicals
Year 2016
Link(s) https://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/canutec/guide-menu-227.htm
http://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/saf-sec-sur/3/erg-gmu/erg/ergmenu.aspx

How to use it

Inputs

1) Material information:

  • 4-digit UN ID numbers (YELLOW section), or
  • Names of materials (BLUE section) or
  • Placard or label, or
  • Railcar or trailer type

2) Is material on fire? (Y/N)

Outputs

1) Recommended emergency response actions:  3-digit guide number (ORANGE section)
The entry in the respective guide number provides data such as: potential hazards (health, physical), public safety (protective clothing, evacuation), emergency response (e. g. fire, spill, first aid).
2) If material is Green (toxic by inhalation), table for:

  • Evacuation distances (on fire)
  • Isolation and protective action distances (not on fire)
  • What to do if spilled in water
Learning time Short (<1h)
User expertise Basic (no scientific/engineering background required/no business management experience required)
User-friendliness Very user friendly
Advanced tool No
Languages English, Spanish, French