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Guide 171

 
GUIDE
171
SUBSTANCES (Low to Moderate Hazard)
 
POTENTIAL HAZARDS

FIRE OR EXPLOSION

  • Some may burn but none ignite readily.
  • Containers may explode when heated.
  • Some may be transported hot.
  • For UN3508, Capacitor, asymmetric, be aware of possible short circuiting as this product is transported in a charged state.
  • Polymeric beads, expandable (UN2211) may evolve flammable vapours.

HEALTH

  • Inhalation of material may be harmful.
  • Contact may cause burns to skin and eyes.
  • Inhalation of Asbestos dust may have a damaging effect on the lungs.
  • Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
  • Some liquids produce vapors that may cause dizziness or asphyxiation.
  • Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause environmental contamination.
PUBLIC SAFETY
  • CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover.
  • Keep unauthorized personnel away.
  • Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.

PROTECTIVE CLOTHING

  • Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
  • Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides thermal protection but only limited chemical protection.

EVACUATION

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.

Spill

  • For highlighted materials: see Table 1 - Initial Isolation And Protective Action Distances.
  • For non-highlighted materials: increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.

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.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE

FIRE

Small Fire

  • Dry chemical, CO2, water spray or regular foam.

Large Fire

  • Water spray, fog or regular foam.
  • Do not scatter spilled material with high-pressure water streams.
  • If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire.
  • Dike runoff from fire control for later disposal.

Fire Involving Tanks

  • 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.

SPILL OR LEAK

  • Do not touch or walk through spilled material.
  • Stop leak if you can do it without risk.
  • Prevent dust cloud.
  • For Asbestos, avoid inhalation of dust. Cover spill with plastic sheet or tarp to minimize spreading. Do not clean up or dispose of, except under supervision of a specialist.

Small Dry Spill

  • With clean shovel, place material into clean, dry container and cover loosely; move containers from spill area.

Small Spill

  • Pick up with sand or other non-combustible absorbent material and place into containers for later disposal.

Large Spill

  • Dike far ahead of liquid spill for later disposal.
  • Cover powder spill with plastic sheet or tarp to minimize spreading.
  • Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas.

FIRST AID

  • Call 911 or emergency medical service.
  • Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved and take precautions to protect themselves.
  • Move victim to fresh air if it can be done safely.
  • 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.
 
 
 
 
Date Modified:
2020-12-09