Editor checklist
When sources disagree
Referencing the content of hazardous materials awareness and operations at the awareness level
These topics sometimes differ between your adopted text, the ERG, state practical sheets, and agency advisories.
Use this list as a study checklist: verify the current source before you rely on a single wording in drills.
-
ERG isolation vs textbook example
- Usually in your text
- Ch 5 worked examples and chapter isolation language — Adopted hazmat awareness text
- Also check
- Current ERG isolation and protective-action tables — PHMSA Emergency Response Guidebook Open reference (retrieved 2026-05-21)
- If you teach the wrong version
- Wrong perimeter or evacuation distance
- Suggested action
- Teach isolation from the current ERG edition; use textbook examples only after you confirm they match the ERG table for the scenario
-
NFPA 470 vs state practical sheet
- Usually in your text
- Awareness JPR verbs in course materials — NFPA 470 awareness competencies
- Also check
- State fire marshal or academy practical evaluation sheet — Contact your state EMS or fire training authority for the current practical sheet Open reference (retrieved 2026-05-21)
- If you teach the wrong version
- Failed practical or wrong performance step
- Suggested action
- Align lab coaching to the state sheet first; use NFPA 470 as supportive context not a substitute for local practical criteria
-
Level B PPE at awareness
- Usually in your text
- Ch 7-8 no entry and defensive-only framing — Adopted hazmat awareness text
- Also check
- Legacy academy slides showing entry in Level B ensemble — Review your program PPE matrix and awareness scope limits with your training officer
- If you teach the wrong version
- Unsafe entry at awareness level
- Suggested action
- Reinforce awareness limits in class; retire slides that imply entry unless the student is in an operations program
-
Fentanyl PPE advisories
- Usually in your text
- Ch 13 illicit-lab and fentanyl awareness topics — Adopted hazmat awareness text
- Also check
- NIOSH and DEA interim PPE guidance for suspected fentanyl — CDC NIOSH Fentanyl resources Open reference (retrieved 2026-05-21)
- If you teach the wrong version
- Under-protection or unnecessary full ensemble
- Suggested action
- Pair chapter wording with current agency bulletins; document retrieval date on your lesson plan
-
Radiological monitoring
- Usually in your text
- Ch 12 air monitoring and detection awareness — Adopted hazmat awareness text
- Also check
- NRC and DOT 49 CFR labeling and monitoring expectations — NRC Transportation of radioactive materials Open reference (retrieved 2026-05-21)
- If you teach the wrong version
- Misread meter or shipping label
- Suggested action
- Use chapter concepts for awareness; verify label and monitoring rules against current federal references before testing
-
WISER vs ERG guide number
- Usually in your text
- Ch 2 recognition tools and guide-number drills — Adopted hazmat awareness text
- Also check
- WISER app guide lookup for the same UN/NA number — CAMEO WISER Open reference (retrieved 2026-05-21)
- If you teach the wrong version
- Wrong guide selected in the field
- Suggested action
- Drill guide-number lookup on the same reference students will carry on scene; note when WISER and printed ERG disagree
-
ERG edition
- Usually in your text
- Use **ERG 2024** initial isolation for UN1005 (example)
- Also check
- 2016 ERG shows shorter isolation for same UN in some tables
- If you teach the wrong version
- [PHMSA ERG 2024](https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/hazmat/erg/emergency-response-guidebook-erg) vs agency-issued 2016 copy
- Suggested action
- Compare current field references before you teach or test this point.
-
OSHA vs NFPA training hours
- Usually in your text
- OSHA awareness: competency or ≥8 hr; operations often 24 hr
- Also check
- State academy requires 16 hr awareness for certification
- If you teach the wrong version
- [OSHA 1910.120](https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.120) vs state practical sheet
- Suggested action
- Compare current field references before you teach or test this point.
-
Fentanyl PPE
- Usually in your text
- NIOSH: avoid tasks that disturb powder; PPE per policy, not one universal Level A
- Also check
- Legacy slides: “gloves only” for all white powders
- If you teach the wrong version
- [NIOSH fentanyl](https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/substance-use/fentanyl-emergency-responders/)
- Suggested action
- Compare current field references before you teach or test this point.
This page does not replace your program SOP or current ERG. Add dated citations in your local minority-report log when you confirm a source.