Upon arrival at a hazardous material incident, what is the first section to consult in the ERG?

The correct choice is the orange-bordered section of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG), which serves as the first section responders should consult upon arriving at a hazardous materials incident. The orange-bordered section provides critical information regarding the associated risks of specific materials, along with recommended protective measures and actions that should be taken.

This section is specifically designed to facilitate immediate decision-making in the field, highlighting necessary actions to protect responders and the public while also outlining potential hazards related to the material involved. The structured format allows for rapid identification of hazards, guiding responders through the essential steps needed for effective and safe management of the situation.

Other sections of the ERG have important roles as well, but the orange-bordered section is specifically tailored for immediate response action and risk assessment, making it the first reference point for responders in hazardous material situations.