ERG 2024 Guide 150
ERG 2024 Guide 150
ERG2024 supports first responders during the initial phase of a hazardous-materials transportation incident. It is not controlling regulation, a compliance determination, a chemical-specific worker safety document, or a substitute for required shipping-paper emergency-response information.
ERG 2024 Guide 150, page 1GUIDE 150 Substances (Self-Reactive/ Temperature Controlled) POTENTIAL HAZARDS FIRE OR EXPLOSION • Self-decomposition, self-polymerization, or self-ignition may be triggered by heat, chemical reaction, friction or impact. • Self-accelerating decomposition may occur if the specific "control temperature" is not maintained. • These materials are particularly sensitive to temperature rises. Above a given "Control Temperature" they may decompose or polymerize violently and catch fire. • May be ignited by heat, sparks or flames. • Those substances designated with a (P) may polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire. • Some may decompose explosively when heated or involved in a fire. • May burn violently. Decomposition or polymerization may be self-accelerating and produce large amounts of gases. • Vapors or dust may form explosive mixtures with air. • • • HEALTH Inhalation or contact with vapors, substance or decomposition products may cause severe injury or death. May produce irritating, toxic and/or corrosive gases. 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). • 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. Large Spill • • Consider initial evacuation for at least 250 meters (800 feet) in all directions. 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 230 ERG 2024#
ERG 2024 Guide 150, page 2Substances (Self-Reactive/ Temperature Controlled) GUIDE 150 EMERGENCY RESPONSE FIRE • The temperature of the substance must be maintained at or below the “Control Temperature” at all times. Small Fire • • Dry chemical, CO2, water spray or regular foam. Large Fire Flood fire area with water from a distance. • • If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire. Fire Involving Tanks, Rail Tank Cars or Highway Tanks BEWARE OF POSSIBLE CONTAINER EXPLOSION. • 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. • 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 allow the substance to warm up. Use a coolant agent such as dry ice or ice (wear thermal protective gloves). If this is not possible or none can be obtained, evacuate the area immediately. • ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. • Do not touch or walk through spilled material. • Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Small Spill • Pick up with inert, damp, non-combustible material using clean, non-sparking tools and place into loosely covered plastic containers for later disposal. • Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. • DO NOT CLEAN-UP OR DISPOSE OF, EXCEPT UNDER SUPERVISION OF A SPECIALIST. FIRST AID Refer to the “General First Aid” section. 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 231#