Which of the following describes the two hazard types found in ERG guides?

• A. Health
• B. Fire/Explosion
• C. Environmental Hazard
• D. Health and Fire/Explosion

Answer: (D)

When responders use the ERG, the guiding idea is to quickly assess risks to people and how the material behaves in a fire or explosion. The two hazard types described in the guides are health hazards and fire/explosion hazards. Health hazards cover toxic effects from exposure—things like inhalation or skin absorption that can injure or kill a person. Fire/explosion hazards cover flammability, readiness to ignite, reactivity, and the potential for a dangerous release or rupture if the material heats up or is exposed to an ignition source. Environmental impact is a consideration in incident planning, but it isn’t one of the two primary hazard types the ERG highlights for immediate response. That’s why the combination of health and fire/explosion hazards best fits what the ERG guides emphasize for quick safety decisions.