How should shipping papers be used at a hazmat incident?

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Shipping papers are the primary source of official information about the hazardous material at the incident, and they’re used to identify what you’re dealing with and to guide containment and emergency actions. They list the product’s proper shipping name, hazard class, UN number, packing group, quantity, and emergency contact information. By reviewing these details, responders can choose containment and control actions that match the material’s hazards, determine the appropriate personal protective equipment, and decide on decontamination and isolation needs. The emergency contact lets you reach the shipper or a 24/7 information service for additional guidance as the situation unfolds. Shipping papers should be accessible at the scene and, when possible, checked against labels and placards to confirm the material and ensure the response is correct. They are not weather forecasts, nor are they only for customs clearance; they are the information you use to act safely and effectively on containment actions.