Emergency Response Guide No. 127 for FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS (Water-Miscible)


Source: Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)
POTENTIAL HAZARDS

FIRE OR EXPLOSION
  • HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
  • Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air.
  • Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back.
  • Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks).
  • Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers.
  • Those substances designated with a (P) may polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire.
  • Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard.
  • Containers may explode when heated.
  • Many liquids are lighter than water.
HEALTH
  • Inhalation or contact with material may irritate or burn skin and eyes.
  • Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
  • Vapors may cause dizziness or suffocation.
  • 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 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions.
  • Keep unauthorized personnel away.
  • Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
  • Ventilate closed spaces before entering.
PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
  • Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
  • Structural firefighters' protective clothing will only provide limited protection.
EVACUATION
Large Spill
  • Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 300 meters (1000 feet).
Fire
  • If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 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
CAUTION: All these products have a very low flash point: Use of water spray when fighting fire may be inefficient.
CAUTION: For fire involving UN1170, UN1987 or UN3475, alcohol-resistant foam should be used.
Small Fire
  • Dry chemical, CO2, water spray or alcohol-resistant foam.
Large Fire
  • Water spray, fog or alcohol-resistant foam.
  • Do not use straight streams.
  • Move containers from fire area if you can do it without risk.
Fire involving Tanks or Car/Trailer Loads
  • 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.
  • Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank.
  • ALWAYS stay away from tanks engulfed in fire.
  • For massive fire, use unmanned hose holders or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn.
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.
  • Do not touch or walk through spilled material.
  • Stop leak if you can do it without risk.
  • Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas.
  • A vapor-suppressing foam may be used to reduce vapors.
  • Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers.
  • Use clean, non-sparking tools to collect absorbed material.
Large Spill
  • Dike far ahead of liquid spill for later disposal.
  • Water spray may reduce vapor, but may not prevent ignition in closed spaces.
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.
  • Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult.
  • Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes.
  • In case of contact with substance, immediately flush skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes.
  • Wash skin with soap and 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.