The 2016 ERG will cover approximately 3,500 materials and feature 62 separate guides for describing what to do when different categories of hazardous materials may have been released. Features include:
- Because speed often is vital in a transport incident, the 2016 ERG replaces some written instructions with flow charts that guide users more quickly and accurately through the book.
- In total, some 10 sections of the ERG have been added, revised or expanded. Those enhancements include:
- Expanded and updated information about placards, markings and labels
- Expanded identification charts for railroad cars, truck tanks and trailers
- Added information about the new Globally Harmonized System (GHS) markings for chemicals
- Updated Table 1 and Table 3 toxic inhalation hazard tables based on new data and reactivity research
- Updated pipeline emergency response information
- Updated lists of UN Identification Numbers and proper shipping names
- New and updated information about Canadian ERAPs (Emergency Response Assistance Plans)
The ERG has been available since 2008 as a downloadable PDF, and since 2012 as a mobile app.