# Guide 152: Substances - Toxic (Combustible)

- **operation:** document
- **citation:** ERG 2024 Guide 152
- **title:** Guide 152: Substances - Toxic (Combustible)
- **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 152: Substances - Toxic (Combustible).
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- **app url:** https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-erg-2024-guide-152
- **source url:** https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/erg/guide?number=152
**body:**

GUIDE
152
Substances - Toxic (Combustible)
POTENTIAL HAZARDS
HEALTH
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Highly toxic, may be fatal if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through skin.
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Contact with molten substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes.
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Avoid any skin contact.
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Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
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Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause environmental
contamination.
•
•
•
•
•
FIRE OR EXPLOSION
Combustible material: may burn but does not ignite readily.
Containers may explode when heated.
Those substances designated with a (P) may polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire.
Runoff may pollute waterways.
Substance may be transported in a molten form.
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.
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•
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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 in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters
(75 feet) for solids.
Spill
•
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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
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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.
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ERG 2024

Substances - Toxic (Combustible)
GUIDE
152
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
FIRE
Small Fire
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Dry chemical, CO2 or water spray.
Large Fire
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Water spray, fog or regular 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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Dike runoff from fire control for later disposal.
•
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Avoid aiming straight or solid streams directly onto the product.
Fire Involving Tanks, Rail Tank Cars or Highway Tanks
Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles.
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Do not get water inside containers.
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Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out.
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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.
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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
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ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area.
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Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing.
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Stop leak if you can do it without risk.
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Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas.
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Cover with plastic sheet to prevent spreading.
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Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers.
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DO NOT GET WATER INSIDE CONTAINERS.
FIRST AID
Refer to the “General First Aid” section.
Specific First Aid:
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Removal of solidified molten material from skin requires medical assistance.
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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