Comparison

Chemdata vs ERG for iOS

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Chemdata

Access a comprehensive chemical hazard database offline for incident management. Provides detailed information on over 62,000 chemicals, including safety, transport, and emergency response guidance. Offers multilingual support and regular updates.

Highlights
  • Offline chemical database access
  • Hazardous chemical identification
  • Incident command support
  • Transport classification
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) guidance
  • Multilingual support (EN, NL, FR, DE, ES)
Features
Read full description

If your organisation handles chemicals and you need to know how to manage their risks, Pocket Chemdata® is simply a 'must have'. Pocket Chemdata is a reliable, interactive database subscription service providing access to over 62,000 documents and more than 186,000 different chemical names including pure and trade-name chemicals. Pocket Chemdata provides clear information including how to manage their hazardous affects. PRODUCT BENEFITS: •Simple and easy-to-use chemical and chemical hazard identification •Incident commanders can access chemical information from anywhere in the world (no internet connection required) •Helps to mitigate the consequences of incidents •Regularly updated database, so users always have the latest information •Information is installed on the device, so an internet connection is not required to access data •Provides the same clear concise advice as the standard Chemdata® FEATURES: •Powerful search functionality for efficient chemical identification •UN number, ADR HIN, EAC codes •Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements •Physical form information •Transport classification •Chemical hazard information (only available to subscribers) •Reactivity guidance (only available to subscribers) •Fire, decontamination and first aid advice (only available to subscribers) •Precautions information including large and small spill advice (only available to subscribers) •Environmental data (only available to subscribers) •Physical properties (only available to subscribers) •Add private notes and comments against chemical records (only available to subscribers) •Sync private notes and comments with your organisation’s central Chemdata solution (only available to subscribers) Designed and continuously maintained by emergency responders from Ricardo's NCEC, one of the world's leading chemical emergency centres, Pocket Chemdata is one of the most trusted sources of chemical information available. Data is updated approximately twice a year to ensure responders have access to up-to-date information. Pocket Chemdata is used globally by organisations, including fire and other emergency services, to provide invaluable and timely advice in the event of chemical spillages, fires and contamination incidents. Trust Pocket Chemdata for clear and concise information on more than 62,000 substances, at your fingertips. The free app provides access to one full record, to demonstrate the full capabilities of the system, this can be found by searching for the ‘Chlorine’ record or document number 5. LANGUAGES As well as English, Pocket Chemdata includes Dutch, French, German and Spanish translations - all in the one app. SUPPORT We would really like to know what you think about Pocket Chemdata, so please visit www.chemdata.co.uk to provide feedback or ask questions. Alternatively, you can email us at chemdata@ricardo.com. Chemdata® and Pocket Chemdata® have been developed for NCEC by Ark Software Ltd and Payot Ltd.

About

ERG for iOS

This app provides first responders with quick access to critical information for hazardous materials transportation incidents. It features an indexed list of dangerous goods, including ID numbers, hazards, and safety precautions, aiding in effective response.

Highlights
  • Indexed list of dangerous goods
  • ID number lookup
  • General hazard information
  • Recommended safety precautions
  • Multi-language support (English, French, Spanish)
Features
Currently charting
Read full description

PHMSA’s Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) is the go-to resource for first responders during the initial phase of a dangerous goods or hazardous materials transportation incident. The ERG app is a valuable companion, based on the latest edition of the ERG, to help responders quickly access critical information at their fingertips. The app features an indexed list of dangerous goods, including their associated ID number, general hazards, and recommended safety precautions. In practical scenarios, such as responding to an overturned tractor trailer displaying a DOT hazmat placard, emergency responders can use the app to quickly identify the material associated with the placard and get guidance on how to respond effectively. Full versions available in English, French, and Spanish.

Screenshots

Chemdata3 screens
ERG for iOS4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: ERG for iOS at 100% against Chemdata's 67%. ERG for iOS also leads on update cadence (every 4 months vs every 19 months) and chart position (#129 vs unranked). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Chemdata ships an update every 19 months, ERG for iOS every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on June 5, 2026 and September 30, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 7 level
Chemdata versus ERG for iOS: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterChemdataERG for iOS
PriceFreeFree
Rating—4.8 (64 ratings) — better
Positive reviews66.7% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings—64 — better
Update frequencyEvery 19 monthsEvery 4 months — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFreeFree
Best chart rank—#129 — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS14.012.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size49 MB27 MB
Age rating12+12+
DeveloperRicardo-AEA ltdPipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration

Customer experience

Chemdata

Written reviews3 reviews
Positive66.7%
Neutral0.0%
Negative33.3%

ERG for iOS

All ratings64 ratings
Positive95.3%
Neutral3.1%
Negative1.6%
Written reviews13 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

Chemdata

No in-app purchases

None

ERG for iOS

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Chemdata free?
Chemdata is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is ERG for iOS free?
ERG for iOS is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Chemdata or ERG for iOS have ads?
Neither Chemdata nor ERG for iOS shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Chemdata or ERG for iOS?
Chemdata ships an update every 19 months, and ERG for iOS every 4 months. Most recently, Chemdata was updated on June 5, 2026 and ERG for iOS on September 30, 2026.

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