Emergency Response Guide No. 118 for GASES - FLAMMABLE - CORROSIVE


Source: Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)
POTENTIAL HAZARDS

FIRE OR EXPLOSION
  • EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE.
  • May be ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
  • May form explosive mixtures with air.
  • Vapors from liquefied gas are initially heavier than air and spread along ground.
  • Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back.
  • Some of these materials may react violently with water.
  • Cylinders exposed to fire may vent and release flammable gas through pressure relief devices.
  • Containers may explode when heated.
  • Ruptured cylinders may rocket.
HEALTH
  • May cause toxic effects if inhaled.
  • Vapors are extremely irritating.
  • Contact with gas or liquefied gas may cause burns, severe injury and/or frostbite.
  • Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
  • Runoff from fire control may cause pollution.
PUBLIC SAFETY

  • CALL Emergency Response Telephone Number on Shipping Paper first. If Shipping Paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover.
  • As an immediate precautionary measure, isolate spill or leak area for at least 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions.
  • Keep unauthorized personnel away.
  • Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
  • Many gases are heavier than air and will spread along ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks).
  • Ventilate closed spaces before entering.
PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
  • Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
  • Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer. It may provide little or no thermal protection.
  • Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides limited protection in fire situations ONLY; it is not effective in spill situations where direct contact with the substance is possible.
EVACUATION
Large Spill
  • Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 800 meters (1/2 mile).
Fire
  • If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions.
  • [FLAG] In Canada, an Emergency Response Assistance Plan (ERAP) may be required for this product. Please consult the shipping document and/or the ERAP Program Section (page 391).
EMERGENCY RESPONSE

FIRE
  • DO NOT EXTINGUISH A LEAKING GAS FIRE UNLESS LEAK CAN BE STOPPED.
Small Fire
  • Dry chemical or CO2.
Large Fire
  • Water spray, fog or regular foam.
  • Move containers from fire area if you can do it without risk.
  • Damaged cylinders should be handled only by specialists.
Fire involving Tanks
  • Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned hose holders or monitor nozzles.
  • Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out.
  • Do not direct water at source of leak or safety devices; icing may occur.
  • Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank.
  • ALWAYS stay away from tanks engulfed in fire.
SPILL OR LEAK
  • ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames in immediate area).
  • All equipment used when handling the product must be grounded.
  • Fully encapsulating, vapor-protective clothing should be worn for spills and leaks with no fire.
  • Do not touch or walk through spilled material.
  • Stop leak if you can do it without risk.
  • If possible, turn leaking containers so that gas escapes rather than liquid.
  • Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact spilled material.
  • Do not direct water at spill or source of leak.
  • Isolate area until gas has dispersed.
FIRST AID
  • Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved and take precautions to protect themselves.
  • Move victim to fresh air.
  • Call 911 or emergency medical service.
  • Give artificial respiration if victim is not breathing.
  • Do not use mouth-to-mouth method if victim ingested or inhaled the substance; give artificial respiration with the aid of a pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other proper respiratory medical device.
  • Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult.
  • Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes.
  • In case of contact with liquefied gas, thaw frosted parts with lukewarm water.
  • In case of burns, immediately cool affected skin for as long as possible with cold water. Do not remove clothing if adhering to skin.
  • Keep victim calm and warm.
  • Keep victim under observation.
  • Effects of contact or inhalation may be delayed.