Using The DOT Guidebook
It is time to do a review of the DOT guidebook with the troops. While this book may have some severe limitations, and clearly it's use should not extend beyond the first fifteen minutes of an operational incident, we should make sure that all members not just officers will know how to use the document.
Some basic framework for the training should go as follows:
Make sure you have the most current edition in all apparatus and available for your dispatcher.
If you hold the book up sideways there are four distinct sections, yellow, blue, orange, and green.
In addition you should note that there is a section that shows photographs of all placards.
You should direct the students to the very first page that describes the process of attempting identification. In the 2000 ERG it is actually page 1.
Yellow Section Highlights
This is where the primary identification method is the 4 digit UN number.
For training purposes have students look up the following numbers and ask the follow-up questions:
1993
1760
What is the identification of the material involved?
What guide number should be used?
Is there a difference between a combustible liquid NOS and a flammable liquid NOS?
Blue Section Highlights
This is where the primary identification is by chemical name and it is sorted alphabetically.
Students should be encouraged to look up any common chemicals by name.
Students should also be asked to look up the following scenarios as well.
A truck load of oily rags that is involved in a problem.
A truck load of electric wheelchairs
A truck load of life rafts.
Determine if they can determine an appropriate guide number for each of those.
*Hint: Think of how those would be filed....Rags, oily.
Orange Section
This is the section of guides that indicate conservative emergency actions. First responding personnel should refer to these guides as minimal actions to be taken. While many guides contain similar information the protection of responders should not be compromised by ignoring the information.
Green Section
This section gives isolation and evacuation distances. This section is referred to by wither the yellow or blue section. Any chemical that is highlighted in bold when you look it up in the yellow or blue section should now be referenced in the back in the green section.
Placard Page
If you are unable to identify any numbers but you can see a placard or at least a portion of it containing the UN Class number you might be able to obtain an orange action guide by using this diagram page.
General rule
If you have no information and you believe this is a hazardous material incident follow guide number 111. This is an overall safety action plan until more information can be obtained.
Experiment with the guidebook and have each member look up materials and become familiar with what to do. Use it on preplanning chemicals you know in your area. Have members take it home and look up common household products and report back to you what guide would be appropriate. Also remember that the guidebook will deal with chemical names and not trade names. Kleenex is a brand name for tissue paper.
You might think you know about the book but really give it a workout and see for yourself.