After identifying a material's 3-digit guide number, what is the first step a first responder should take using the ERG?

After identifying a material's 3-digit guide number, the first step a first responder should take is to consult the orange-bordered section of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG). This section provides detailed information specific to hazardous materials, including potential hazards, recommended safety precautions, first aid measures, and firefighting measures relevant to the specific material identified.

By starting with the orange-bordered section, responders can quickly access critical information tailored to the situation, which is essential for ensuring safety and effectively managing the response to the hazardous materials incident. This approach allows responders to understand the risks associated with the material in question and to formulate an appropriate response plan.

The other options do not directly address the immediate action needed after obtaining the guide number. For instance, going to the yellow-bordered section relates to highway reference numbers, which would not be the most effective first step. Seeking help from a hazmat team is a valid action but does not provide the first line of immediate information necessary for initial response. Reviewing the ERG introduction, while useful for understanding the document's layout, is not actionable in the context of responding to a specific hazardous material situation.