CHEMTREC

When a chemical spills, leaks or catches fire, the first people on the scene often do not know exactly what the material is or how it behaves. CHEMTREC staff can look up product information, give immediate safety advice and, where the shipper has registered, contact the manufacturer or shipper for more detail.

Companies often subscribe to the service so that their emergency contact number on SDSs and shipping papers reaches CHEMTREC. Hazmat shipments must carry a 24-hour emergency response telephone number, and a subscription is one common way to meet that need. The number must be monitored at all times while the material is in transport and must be answered by someone able to give appropriate information.

The service supports, but does not replace, local emergency services. A caller should first protect people and call fire or police where life is at risk. CHEMTREC then adds information about the product, much as the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) does for responders in print. It is separate from Poison control center, which advises on human exposures and medical treatment.

Because the service depends on the supplier's data, a product registered with incomplete information may lead to slower or less specific advice. Keeping SDSs up to date and ensuring the listed emergency number is active helps the system work when it is needed.