Emergency information

When is emergency information required?

Emergency information must be carried on a vehicle transporting a placard load of dangerous goods.

What is emergency information?

Emergency information sets out basic information on substance hazards, first aid procedures and protective equipment to use. It explains how to deal with any emergency involving dangerous goods, such as a leak, spill, vehicle rollover or fire.

The following are acceptable types of emergency information:

• the Standards Australia HB76 dangerous goods – initial emergency response guide
• an individual Standards Australia emergency procedure guide (EPG) plus the vehicle’s fire guide
• an emergency procedure guide plus a vehicle fire guide that is substantially the same as the Standards Australia guides
• any other emergency procedure guide plus a vehicle fire guide, which have both been approved by OEH.

A safety data sheet (SDS) is not the same as emergency information and is not acceptable.

What is an emergency information holder?

An emergency information holder must be fitted to a vehicle transporting a placard load of dangerous goods. The holder must be:

• of a size and shape suitable for carrying emergency information and transport documentation
• marked with the words ‘emergency procedure guides’ or ‘emergency information’ in red letters at least 10mm high on a white background
• securely placed on a road vehicle in one of these locations:
  • on the inside of a door of the cabin
  • immediately adjacent to a door of the cabin
  • if either of the above is not possible, in a visible and accessible position in the cabin (provided the position of the holder is identified on a notice affixed to the inside of the driver's door).

Where does emergency information need to be carried?

In the case of a placard load, emergency information must be in the emergency information holder. If less than a placard load is transported and no emergency information holder is fitted, emergency information must be in a prominent position in the cabin.

What other information may be placed in an emergency information holder?

An emergency information holder may contain only emergency information and transport documents relating to the load.