In the ERG, what is one method of looking up a hazmat substance?

Using the UN Number in the yellow pages of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) is a fundamental method for identifying hazardous materials. The UN Number is a four-digit number assigned by the United Nations that uniquely identifies specific hazardous substances. When responders come across a hazardous material incident, they can quickly refer to the yellow pages section of the ERG, where substances are indexed by their UN Numbers. This allows them to access crucial information regarding the properties of the material, associated hazards, and recommended emergency response actions.

The other methods, while potentially helpful in certain contexts, do not provide the same immediate and specific identification of hazardous materials found in the ERG. For instance, consulting an emergency contact list may provide contacts for assistance but not direct information about the hazardous material itself. Visiting a local hazmat control facility can offer information, but it is not a practical or immediate solution during an active incident. Similarly, fire department archives may contain historical data or information but are not dedicated to the swift identification of materials in emergency situations like the ERG does.