How can hazardous materials be looked up in the yellow pages of the ERG?

The correct choice for looking up hazardous materials in the yellow pages of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) is by the 4-digit UN number. This number serves as a unique identifier for specific hazardous substances and can be used to quickly locate vital information about the material in the ERG. Each substance that is classified as hazardous is assigned a UN number, which is a standardized coding system used internationally to facilitate proper identification and handling.

Using the 4-digit UN number allows first responders to access detailed emergency response guidelines, including potential hazards, appropriate protective measures, and instructions for mitigation. This method is particularly effective because it minimizes confusion and enhances safety during incidents involving hazardous materials, ensuring that responders have the most accurate and relevant information at their fingertips.

Although other methods such as looking up by proper shipping name or hazard classification could also provide information, they are not as straightforward or universally applicable as using the UN number. Proper shipping names can vary, and hazard classifications may not cover all necessary details for specific materials. Chemical structure, on the other hand, is typically not used as a primary method in emergency response scenarios and may not be readily available for all responders.