What critical information must be readily available during a hazardous cargo incident to inform emergency responders?

The critical information that must be readily available during a hazardous cargo incident to inform emergency responders includes the Proper Shipping Name (PSN), UN number, hazard class, quantity of the hazardous material involved, emergency contact information, specific hazards associated with the material (e.g., flammability, toxicity, corrosivity), and appropriate emergency response procedures. The Proper Shipping Name and UN number, as defined by the IMDG Code, provide positive identification of the substance. The hazard class indicates the type of danger posed by the material. Knowing the quantity helps responders assess the scale of the incident. Emergency contact information allows responders to quickly access expert advice and support. Information on specific hazards allows them to select appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and response strategies. Access to emergency response guides, such as the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG), provides detailed guidance on handling specific hazardous materials incidents. For example, if a container of flammable liquid is leaking, responders need to know the liquid's PSN, UN number, that it's flammable, the quantity leaking, who to contact for expert advice, and the proper firefighting techniques to use.