Emergency Response Guide No. 133 for FLAMMABLE SOLIDS


Source: Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)
POTENTIAL HAZARDS

FIRE OR EXPLOSION
  • Flammable/combustible material.
  • May be ignited by friction, heat, sparks or flames.
  • Some may burn rapidly with flare-burning effect.
  • Powders, dusts, shavings, borings, turnings or cuttings may explode or burn with explosive violence.
  • Substance may be transported in a molten form at a temperature that may be above its flash point.
  • May re-ignite after fire is extinguished.
HEALTH
  • Fire may produce irritating and/or toxic gases.
  • Contact may cause burns to skin and eyes.
  • Contact with molten substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes.
  • 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 25 meters (75 feet) in all directions.
  • Keep unauthorized personnel away.
  • Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
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 100 meters (330 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
Small Fire
  • Dry chemical, CO2, sand, earth, water spray or regular foam.
Large Fire
  • Water spray, fog or regular foam.
  • Move containers from fire area if you can do it without risk.
Fire Involving Metal Pigments or Pastes (e.g. "Aluminum Paste")
  • Aluminum Paste fires should be treated as a combustible metal fire. Use DRY sand, graphite powder, dry sodium chloride-based extinguishers, G-1® or Met-L-X® powder. Also, see GUIDE 170.
Fire involving Tanks or Car/Trailer Loads
  • Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out.
  • For massive fire, use unmanned hose holders or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn.
  • 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).
  • Do not touch or walk through spilled material.
Small Dry Spill
  • With clean shovel, place material into clean, dry container and cover loosely; move containers from spill area.
Large Spill
  • Wet down with water and dike for later disposal.
  • Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas.
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.
  • Removal of solidified molten material from skin requires medical assistance.
  • Keep victim calm and warm.