Emergency Response Guide No. 137 for SUBSTANCES - WATER-REACTIVE - CORROSIVE


Source: Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)
POTENTIAL HAZARDS

HEALTH
  • CORROSIVE and/or TOXIC; inhalation, ingestion or contact (skin, eyes) with vapors, dusts or substance may cause severe injury, burns or death.
  • Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
  • Reaction with water may generate much heat that will increase the concentration of fumes in the air.
  • Contact with molten substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes.
  • Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause pollution.
FIRE OR EXPLOSION
  • EXCEPT FOR ACETIC ANHYDRIDE (UN1715), THAT IS FLAMMABLE, some of these materials may burn, but none ignite readily.
  • May ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.).
  • Substance will react with water (some violently), releasing corrosive and/or toxic gases and runoff.
  • Flammable/toxic gases may accumulate in confined areas (basement, tanks, hopper/tank cars, etc.).
  • Contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas.
  • Containers may explode when heated or if contaminated with water.
  • Substance may be transported in a molten form.
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 in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.
  • Keep unauthorized personnel away.
  • Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
  • Ventilate enclosed areas.
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
Spill
  • See Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances for highlighted materials. For non-highlighted materials, increase, in the downwind direction, as necessary, the isolation distance shown under "PUBLIC SAFETY".
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
  • When material is not involved in fire, do not use water on material itself.
Small Fire
  • Dry chemical or CO2.
  • Move containers from fire area if you can do it without risk.
Large Fire
  • Flood fire area with large quantities of water, while knocking down vapors with water fog. If insufficient water supply: knock down vapors only.
Fire involving Tanks or Car/Trailer Loads
  • Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out.
  • Do not get water inside containers.
  • 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
  • Fully encapsulating, vapor-protective clothing should be worn for spills and leaks with no fire.
  • Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing.
  • Stop leak if you can do it without risk.
  • Use water spray to reduce vapors; do not put water directly on leak, spill area or inside container.
  • Keep combustibles (wood, paper, oil, etc.) away from spilled material.
Small Spill
  • Cover with DRY earth, DRY sand or other non-combustible material followed with plastic sheet to minimize spreading or contact with rain.
  • Use clean, non-sparking tools to collect material and place it into loosely covered plastic containers 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.
  • 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 substance, immediately flush skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes.
  • For minor skin contact, avoid spreading material on unaffected skin.
  • Removal of solidified molten material from skin requires medical assistance.
  • Keep victim calm and warm.
  • Effects of exposure (inhalation, ingestion or skin contact) to substance may be delayed.