# Guide 143: Oxidizers (Unstable)

**Citation:** ERG 2024 Guide 143  
**Type / status:** guidance / guidance  
**Agency:** U.S. DOT / Transport Canada / SICT  
**Effective:** Not stated  
**Published:** 2024-04-04

ERG2024 response Guide 143: Oxidizers (Unstable).

## Document text

GUIDE
143
Oxidizers (Unstable)
POTENTIAL HAZARDS
FIRE OR EXPLOSION
•
May explode from friction, heat or contamination.
•
These substances will accelerate burning when involved in a fire.
•
May ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.).
•
Some will react explosively with hydrocarbons (fuels).
•
Containers may explode when heated.
•
Runoff may create fire or explosion hazard.
•
•
•
•
HEALTH
TOXIC; inhalation, ingestion or contact (skin, eyes) with vapors, dusts or substance may cause severe
injury, burns or death.
Fire may produce irritating and/or toxic gases.
Toxic fumes or dust may accumulate in confined areas (basement, tanks, hopper/tank cars, etc.).
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.
Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.
•
•
•
•
PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
•
Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
•
Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer when there is
NO RISK OF FIRE.
•
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 tank car or highway tank 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.
Page 216
ERG 2024

Oxidizers (Unstable)
GUIDE
143
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
FIRE
Small Fire
•
Use water. Do not use dry chemicals or foams. CO2 or Halon® may provide limited control.
Large Fire
•
Flood fire area with water from a distance.
•
Do not move cargo or vehicle if cargo has been exposed to heat.
•
If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire.
•
•
Do not get water inside containers: a violent reaction may occur.
Fire Involving Tanks, Rail Tank Cars or Highway Tanks
Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out.
•
Dike runoff from fire control for later disposal.
•
ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames.
•
For massive fire, use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw
from area and let fire burn.
SPILL OR LEAK
•
Keep combustibles (wood, paper, oil, etc.) away from spilled material.
•
Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing.
•
Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift.
•
Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas.
Small Spill
•
Flush area with large amounts of water.
Large Spill
•
DO NOT CLEAN-UP OR DISPOSE OF, EXCEPT UNDER SUPERVISION OF A SPECIALIST.
FIRST AID
Refer to the “General First Aid” section.
Specific First Aid:
•
Contaminated clothing may be a fire risk when dry.
In Canada, an Emergency Response Assistance Plan (ERAP) may be required for this product.
Please consult the shipping paper and/or the "ERAP" section.
ERG 2024
Page 217

## Provenance

- Official: Yes
- Source: <https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/erg/guide?number=143>
- Source ID: `phmsa-erg-2024`
- SHA-256: `bd360d9ca25110fd695ff31fd81567029595843c43321e4fb7c834569912873a`
- Retrieved: 2026-08-13T11:31:32.574Z
- Exported: 2026-08-22T16:40:19.765Z
- Document slug: `phmsa-erg-2024-guide-143`

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