Guide 123: Gases - Toxic

ERG 2024 Guide 123, page 1GUIDE 123 Gases - Toxic POTENTIAL HAZARDS HEALTH • TOXIC; may be fatal if inhaled or absorbed through skin. • Vapors may be irritating and/or corrosive. • Contact with gas or liquefied gas may cause burns, severe injury and/or frostbite. • Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. • Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause environmental contamination. FIRE OR EXPLOSION • Some may burn but none ignite readily. • Vapors from liquefied gas are initially heavier than air and spread along ground. • Cylinders exposed to fire may vent and release toxic and/or corrosive gas through pressure relief devices. • Containers may explode when heated. • Ruptured cylinders may rocket. • • • • • 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. 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 for at least 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions. 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 176 ERG 2024#

ERG 2024 Guide 123, page 2Gases - Toxic GUIDE 123 EMERGENCY RESPONSE FIRE Small Fire • Dry chemical or CO2. Large Fire • Water spray, fog or regular foam. • Do not get water inside containers. • If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire. • • Damaged cylinders should be handled only by specialists. Fire Involving Tanks Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. • Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. • Do not direct water at source of leak or safety devices; icing may occur. • Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. • ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames. SPILL OR LEAK • Do not touch or walk through spilled material. • Stop leak if you can do it without risk. • If possible, turn leaking containers so that gas escapes rather than liquid. • Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. • Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact spilled material. • Do not direct water at spill or source of leak. • Isolate area until gas has dispersed. FIRST AID Refer to the “General First Aid” section. Specific First Aid: • In case of contact with liquefied gas, only medical personnel should attempt thawing frosted parts. 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 177#