Coast Guard Offers Database for First Responders

The United States Coast Guard has published a free resource CD-ROM that brings comprehensive chemical information to the fingertips of fire and safety service personnel responding to a hazardous materials incident. Users can search the database by a substance's color, odor, and physical appearance and use the data to plan for a safe and effective response. Chemicals are rated according to health risk, flammability, and reactivity, among other factors, using data from several sources.

The CD-ROM, known as CHRIS+, contains several databases of chemical, physical, thermodynamic, toxicological, and fire properties. It includes:

• Chemical Hazards Response Information System (CHRIS), the Coast Guard's database of over 1,300 chemicals and mixtures;
• The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Pocket Guide, a database of physical and health data for a wide range of chemicals;
• Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG), the Department of Transportation's guide to response to releases of hazardous materials [ERG2004];
• Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) First Responder's Guide, the Coast Guard's advice for responders to WMD incidents.
  
  The CD-ROM also includes incident response advice, guidelines, and forms, including the National Response Plan. Free copies of the CD-ROM are available by contacting Alan Schneider, U. S. Coast Guard, at 202-372-1421 or by e-mail at alan.l.schneider@uscg.mil