Emergency Response Guide (ERG)
Emergency Response Guide codes for dangerous goods incidents in air transport. Each ERG code provides first responders with immediate action procedures for fire, spill, and first aid situations.
ERG codes are assigned per UN number in the IATA DGR Dangerous Goods List. In an emergency, locate the substance's ERG code and follow the corresponding procedures below. Always consult the substance-specific Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for detailed information.
General Emergency Actions
- - Ensure personal safety first — do not enter without proper PPE
- - Identify the substance via UN number, proper shipping name, or ERG code
- - Isolate the area and deny entry to unauthorised personnel
- - Notify the pilot-in-command / ground emergency services
- - Refer to the NOTOC (Notification to Captain) for cargo details
Explosives (Mass explosion hazard)
Class 1.1 — substances that react with a mass explosion
Emergency Procedures
Evacuate the area immediately
Keep away from ignition sources and sparks
Cool with water
Maintain a minimum safety distance of 500 m
Explosives (Water-reactive)
Class 1 — explosives that pose a hazard on contact with water
Emergency Procedures
Do NOT use water
Use dry chemical or dry sand
Evacuate the area
Flammable gas
Class 2.1 — flammable gases
Emergency Procedures
Remove all ignition sources
Use gas mask/respirator
Shut off the valve
Spray water to cool
Toxic gas
Class 2.3 — toxic gases
Emergency Procedures
Position upwind
Wear gas mask and protective clothing
Evacuate the area
Monitor gas concentration levels
Non-flammable gas (asphyxiant)
Class 2.2 — non-flammable, non-toxic gases
Emergency Procedures
Risk of oxygen deficiency in enclosed spaces
Ventilate the area
Spray water to cool
Flammable liquid (low flash point)
Class 3 — liquids with flash point of 60 degrees C or below
Emergency Procedures
Remove all ignition sources
Use foam, dry chemical, or CO2
Do NOT use water (may spread the fire)
Avoid inhaling vapours
Water-reactive flammable liquid
Class 3 — liquids that react on contact with water
Emergency Procedures
Do NOT use water
Use dry chemical, foam, or CO2
Keep away from hot surfaces
Flammable solid
Class 4.1 — flammable solid substances
Emergency Procedures
Cool and extinguish with water
May produce toxic fumes
Ensure adequate ventilation
Water-reactive solid
Class 4.3 — substances that produce flammable gas on contact with water
Emergency Procedures
Do NOT use water
Use dry chemical or dry sand
Risk of flammable gas generation
Oxidizing liquid
Class 5.1 — oxidizing substances
Emergency Procedures
Keep away from combustible materials
Extinguish with copious amounts of water
Avoid contact with organic materials
Organic peroxide
Class 5.2 — organic peroxides
Emergency Procedures
Keep away from fire and heat
Cool with copious amounts of water
Risk of spontaneous combustion
Toxic liquid
Class 6.1 — toxic substances
Emergency Procedures
Avoid inhalation
Wear protective gloves and eye protection
If spilled, absorb and wash with copious amounts of water
Infectious substance
Class 6.2 — infectious/biohazard substances
Emergency Procedures
Avoid direct contact
Use disinfectant
Mark contaminated areas
Apply biological hazard procedures
Radioactive material
Class 7 — radioactive materials
Emergency Procedures
Maintain maximum distance
Minimize exposure time
Use radiation monitoring equipment
Mark contaminated areas
Corrosive liquid
Class 8 — corrosive substances
Emergency Procedures
Avoid skin and eye contact
Wash with copious amounts of water
Do not inhale corrosive vapours
Wear protective clothing and gloves
Miscellaneous dangerous goods
Class 9 — other dangerous substances
Emergency Procedures
Refer to substance-specific MSDS/SDS
Apply general protective measures
Lithium battery fires
Class 9 — lithium-ion/metal battery thermal runaway
Emergency Procedures
Cool with copious amounts of water
Spray water on non-burning parts
Toxic HF gas may be produced — wear respiratory protection
Monitor battery until fully cooled (24 hours)