Randolph Mantooth had the greatest stage name ever. Not only that, he had great hair. Kevin Tighe was no slouch either, in both, ROADHOUSE, (1989) and then “ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER” (2024). Do you remember the TV show “EMERGENCY”? Paramedics John Gage and Roy DeSoto, respectively, did more for worker protection and public safety than, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration(OSHA).
Speaking of emergencies, the Department of Transportation will now accept electronic copies of your 172.600 Emergency Response Information, in lieu of a hard copy. This is not a new requirement, it’s an option. Improper internet connection, faulty equipment, delays or failure to present the information in a timely manner will certainly result in a violation.
Hazardous material shipping papers and waste manifests will not be accepted electronically, only the emergency response information. The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), might prefer both. As the emergency response information could be missing, destroyed or not safely acquired on-scene. A downloadable or online copy would provide an extra layer of protection.
Back in the late 70s, my father would tell seminar attendees of a short-lived, proposed rule, requiring shippers and carriers to store their emergency response information on a large super computer in Washington DC. According to him, it was linked to an identification number, marked on the side of each truck, trailer and freight container containing hazardous materials, allowing emergency response information to be retrieved electronically in emergencies.
He alleged some of the government officials pushing for this system appeared to have indirect ties to the company owning the super computer. Once discovered, DOT decided the hard copies would suffice.
Therefore, 49 CFR 172.602 will now provide domestic carriers and facility operators the option of using electronic copies of emergency response information rather than requiring a physical copy.
Viewers loved the TV show and cartoon EMERGENCY +4, inspiring an up and coming generation of Paramedics and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT).
Pioneering Emergency Medical System (EMS) team leader, James O. Page as technical advisor, contributed to its realistic nature. To the point, John Gage’s haircut was updated, aligning with Los Angeles Fire Department Regulations.
Be Safe.
Robert J. Keegan
Publisher and President
Hazardous Materials Publishing Company
Transportation Skills programs
Hazmat.tsp@gmail.com
610-587-3978 text
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The 2025/2026 Compliance guides with the Emergency Response Guidebook contain the most up-to-date mandatory regulations covering the activities of all HAZMAT/WASTE Employees and Employers engaged in any activity, taking place in any location involving hazardous materials, chemicals, substances, or wastes.
These are the only available Compliance Guides that provide all the critical interfacing DOT/EPA/OSHA Hazard Communication and Compliance requirements for Hazardous Materials, Chemicals, Substances, and Wastes.