Which is the best reference to use for a hazardous materials transportation vehicle identified by a placard?

The Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) serves as the best reference for responding to incidents involving hazardous materials, particularly those identified by placards on transportation vehicles. This guide is specifically designed to assist first responders in assessing the risks associated with hazardous materials and determining the appropriate safety measures to take during an emergency. The ERG provides critical information about hazardous substances, including their potential hazards, recommended protective measures, and initial response actions.

When a vehicle is identified by a placard, the ERG allows responders to quickly locate the relevant section for that specific material. This enables them to understand its properties, necessary precautions, and potential reactions, thus facilitating a safer and more effective response to the situation.

While the other references may be useful in specific contexts, they do not provide the same level of immediate, actionable information relevant to hazardous materials transportation as the ERG does. The Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), for example, is more detailed but typically pertains to products in a fixed location rather than vehicles. Local fire department plans and the Incident Command System (ICS) manual focus on procedural and command elements rather than specific hazards related to materials in transit.