If there is a DG incident during transport, what steps should you take?

• A. Follow the ERG and carrier procedures, notify the shipper and authorities, secure the area, and preserve evidence for investigation.
• B. Ignore the incident and continue.
• C. Contact only the consignee.
• D. Dismantle the packaging and continue.

Answer: (A)

When a dangerous goods incident happens during transport, the priority is to protect people, property, and the environment while ensuring proper regulatory response. The best approach is to follow the Emergency Response Guidebook and the carrier’s procedures, promptly notify the shipper and the appropriate authorities, secure the area, and preserve evidence for the investigation.

Using the ERG provides hazard-specific guidance on initial actions, such as safe isolation, protective actions, and evacuation distances, tailored to the substance involved. Following the carrier’s procedures ensures you’re aligned with the company’s incident command structure, reporting channels, and internal safety measures. Notifying the shipper and authorities ensures that competent responders are alerted, proper containment and cleanup can be coordinated, and regulatory requirements are met. Securing the area minimizes exposure to people and the environment and helps maintain the integrity of the scene for investigation. Preserving evidence is essential for determining what happened, assessing root causes, and preventing recurrence.

Delaying response, dismantling packaging and continuing, or only contacting the consignee do not address safety, regulatory, or investigative needs and could worsen harm or lead to penalties.