Guide 126: Gases - Compressed or Liquefied (Including Refrigerant Gases)

ERG 2024 Guide 126, page 1GUIDE 126 Gases - Compressed or Liquefied (Including Refrigerant Gases) POTENTIAL HAZARDS FIRE OR EXPLOSION • Some may burn but none ignite readily. • Containers may explode when heated. • Ruptured cylinders may rocket. CAUTION: Aerosols (UN1950) may contain a flammable propellant. • • • • HEALTH Vapors may cause dizziness or asphyxiation without warning, especially when in closed or confined areas. Vapors from liquefied gas are initially heavier than air and spread along ground. Contact with gas or liquefied gas may cause burns, severe injury and/or frostbite. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. 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. Large Spill Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 500 meters (1/3 mile). 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 182 ERG 2024#

ERG 2024 Guide 126, page 2Gases - Compressed or Liquefied (Including Refrigerant Gases) GUIDE 126 EMERGENCY RESPONSE FIRE • Use extinguishing agent suitable for type of surrounding fire. Small Fire • Dry chemical or CO2. Large Fire • Water spray, fog or regular foam. • 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. • Some of these materials, if spilled, may evaporate leaving a flammable residue. SPILL OR LEAK • Do not touch or walk through spilled material. • Stop leak if you can do it without risk. • Do not direct water at spill or source of leak. • Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact spilled material. • If possible, turn leaking containers so that gas escapes rather than liquid. • Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. • Allow substance to evaporate. • Ventilate the area. 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. ERG 2024 Page 183#