The ERG  is divided into five color-coded sections.

• White Pages—provide instructions on how to use the ERG as well as other pertinent information such as placards, safety precautions, isolation and evacuation zones, protective clothing, fire and spill control, and indicators of possible incidents. Also have quick reference charts including the Rail Car Identification Chart, and the Road Trailer Identification Chart
• Yellow-Bordered Pages—contain an index of dangerous materials in numerical order based on UN Identification number
• Blue-Bordered Pages—contain an index of dangerous materials in alphabetical order by material name
• Orange-Bordered Pages—the most important section in the guidebook. Gives safety recommendations and emergency response information to protect oneself and the public in the event of a hazardous materials release
• Green-Bordered Pages—list initial isolation requirements, water-reactive products by UN number, and recommended safety distances

Becoming familiar with each section and the purpose is essential to properly using the ERG. Once familiar, the responder can easily follow the ERG flowchart when an incident occurs.