Overview#
When a PSAP (Public Safety Answering Point) dispatcher takes a call about a chemical incident, time is the critical variable. Every minute spent searching multiple databases or waiting for a hazmat specialist to call back is a minute the situation can escalate. The Chemical Register gives dispatchers everything they need in a single interface: chemical identification from any available descriptor, ERG-aligned response procedures, GHS hazard classification, atmospheric dispersion modelling with live weather data, and evacuation zone calculations. The system is designed for dispatchers, not chemists, and does not require specialist training to use effectively.
Environmental crime investigators and port security teams have the same need: fast, authoritative identification of unknown or mislabelled substances, with documentation trails that hold up in prosecution.
Open Standards#
- UN Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS, Rev. 9): The capability stores and displays the full GHS pictogram set (GHS01, GHS09), signal words, H-code hazard statements, and P-code precautionary statements sourced from PubChem's PUG-View API.
- NFPA 704 (Standard System for the Identification of the Hazards of Materials for Emergency Response): Health, fire, reactivity, and special-hazard ratings are held as first-class data fields and presented alongside GHS classification in the dispatcher panel.
- DOT/PHMSA Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG): Response guidance structures including UN numbers, ERG guide numbers, isolation distances (small spill, large spill, fire), and downwind protective-action distances are imported from and aligned to the ERG data format published by the US Department of Transportation.
- UN Number system (UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, Model Regulations): UN numbers serve as a primary chemical lookup key, enabling identification of hazardous materials across road, rail, sea, and air transport contexts.
- CAS Registry Number system (Chemical Abstracts Service): CAS numbers are used as canonical chemical identifiers for database indexing, cross-source enrichment, and PubChem API look-up.
- US EPA Acute Exposure Guideline Levels (AEGL) programme: AEGL-1, AEGL-2, and AEGL-3 concentration thresholds (in both ppm and mg/m³) drive the Gaussian plume contour calculations and determine evacuation and shelter-in-place zone boundaries.
- Pasquill-Gifford atmospheric stability classification and Briggs dispersion coefficients: The dispersion engine applies standard Pasquill-Gifford stability classes (A, F) and Briggs urban/rural sigma equations to compute downwind concentration contours from chemical releases.
- GeoJSON (RFC 7946): Evacuation zone polygons produced by the dispersion model are serialised as GeoJSON Polygon features for consumption by mapping and notification systems.
Last Reviewed: 2026-02-05 Last Updated: 2026-04-14
Key Features#
Chemical Database#
Over 100,000 chemical substances indexed with search by name, CAS number, UN number, or common names. Typeahead autocomplete for fast dispatcher access with synonym and trade name recognition across the full dataset.
Response Guidance#
ERG-aligned response procedures including isolation distances, firefighting instructions, first aid protocols, and spill containment guidance. PPE recommendations based on chemical properties and likely exposure scenarios for each chemical class.
Atmospheric Dispersion Modelling#
Gaussian plume modelling incorporating AEGL exposure thresholds and real-time weather data to calculate protective action zones. Evacuation distance calculations for different spill sizes and atmospheric stability conditions, updated as conditions change.
GHS and NFPA Classification#
GHS pictograms and hazard statements for international hazard communication. NFPA 704 fire diamond ratings for standard fire service hazard identification. Both classification systems presented together for a complete hazard picture.
Weather Integration#
Real-time wind speed, direction, temperature, and atmospheric stability data for accurate dispersion modelling and evacuation zone determination. Data sourced from NOAA NWS stations, airport METAR feeds, and professional weather networks.
Use Cases#
- HAZMAT Emergency Dispatch: Rapid chemical identification and response guidance during emergency calls, enabling dispatchers to provide accurate information to field units without specialist chemistry knowledge
- Evacuation Zone Calculation: Model chemical release plumes with current weather conditions to determine protective action distances for community safety notifications
- Facility Pre-Planning: Develop emergency response plans for facilities storing hazardous materials using chemical database and dispersion modelling capabilities
Integration#
Integrates with CAMEO Chemicals (NOAA/EPA), PubChem (NIH), DOT/PHMSA Emergency Response Guidebook, and weather data services. Connects with CAD and dispatch systems for seamless incident response workflows.