Final answer:
The orange-bordered section of the Emergency Response Guidebook contains the numbered guides for HAZMAT incidents, providing safety measures and protective actions for first responders.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ERG section that contains the numbered guides first responders rely on when responding to a HAZMAT incident is the orange-bordered section of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG). The ERG is published by the United States Department of Transportation and contains vital information on initial actions for first responders dealing with hazardous materials incidents. This section is crucial because it provides guidance based on the chemical involved, outlining safety measures, potential risks, and recommended evacuation distances.
Accurate identification of the substance involved in a HAZMAT incident is critical, as different substances require specific responses. First responders consult these guides to take appropriate protective actions and to use safety equipment properly, like fire extinguishers and eyewash stations available in a laboratory. Regulations from the EPA and codes like the NFPA hazard diamond help to summarize and communicate the major hazards of a chemical substance effectively.