# Guide 119: Gases - Toxic - Flammable

- **operation:** document
- **citation:** ERG 2024 Guide 119
- **title:** Guide 119: Gases - Toxic - Flammable
- **source type:** guidance
- **agency:** U.S. DOT / Transport Canada / SICT
- **status:** guidance
- **official:** true
- **published on:** 2024-04-04
- **effective on:** Not available
- **summary:** ERG2024 response Guide 119: Gases - Toxic - Flammable.
- **machine formats:** - **json:** https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-erg-2024-guide-119.json
- **markdown:** https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-erg-2024-guide-119.md
- **app url:** https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-erg-2024-guide-119
- **source url:** https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/erg/guide?number=119
**body:**

GUIDE
119
Gases - Toxic - Flammable
POTENTIAL HAZARDS
HEALTH
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TOXIC; may be fatal if inhaled or absorbed through skin. Some may cause severe skin burns and
eye damage.
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Contact with gas or liquefied gas may cause burns, severe injury and/or frostbite.
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Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
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Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause environmental contamination.
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FIRE OR EXPLOSION
Flammable; may be ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
May form explosive mixtures with air. Ethylene oxide (UN1040) may react explosively even in the
absence of air.
Those substances designated with a (P) may polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire.
Vapors from liquefied gas are initially heavier than air and spread along ground.
Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back.
Some of these materials may react violently with water.
Cylinders exposed to fire may vent and release toxic and flammable gas through pressure relief devices.
Containers may explode when heated.
Ruptured cylinders may rocket.
Runoff may create fire or explosion hazard.
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.
Many gases are heavier than air and will spread along the ground and collect in low or confined areas
(sewers, basements, tanks, etc.).
Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.
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PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
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Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
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Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer when there is
NO RISK OF FIRE.
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Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides thermal protection but only limited chemical protection.
EVACUATION
Immediate precautionary measure
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Isolate spill or leak area for at least 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions.
Spill
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For highlighted materials: see Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances.
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For non-highlighted materials: increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind
direction, as necessary.
Fire
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If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all
directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions.
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ERG 2024

Gases - Toxic - Flammable
GUIDE
119
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
FIRE
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DO NOT EXTINGUISH A LEAKING GAS FIRE UNLESS LEAK CAN BE STOPPED.
Small Fire
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Dry chemical, CO2, water spray or alcohol-resistant foam.
Large Fire
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Water spray, fog or alcohol-resistant foam.
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FOR CHLOROSILANES, DO NOT USE WATER; use alcohol-resistant foam.
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If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire.
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Damaged cylinders should be handled only by specialists.
Fire Involving Tanks
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Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles.
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Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out.
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Do not direct water at source of leak or safety devices; icing may occur.
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Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank.
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ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames.
SPILL OR LEAK
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ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area.
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All equipment used when handling the product must be grounded.
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Do not touch or walk through spilled material.
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Stop leak if you can do it without risk.
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Do not direct water at spill or source of leak.
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Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact
spilled material.
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FOR CHLOROSILANES, use alcohol-resistant foam to reduce vapors.
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If possible, turn leaking containers so that gas escapes rather than liquid.
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Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas.
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Isolate area until gas has dispersed.
FIRST AID
Refer to the “General First Aid” section.
Specific First Aid:
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In case of contact with liquefied gas, only medical personnel should attempt thawing frosted parts.
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In case of burns, immediately cool affected skin for as long as possible with cold water. Do not remove
clothing if adhering to skin.
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
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