# Guide 154: Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible)

- **operation:** document
- **citation:** ERG 2024 Guide 154
- **title:** Guide 154: Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-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 154: Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible).
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- **app url:** https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-erg-2024-guide-154
- **source url:** https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/erg/guide?number=154
**body:**

GUIDE
154
Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive
(Non-Combustible)
POTENTIAL HAZARDS
HEALTH
•
TOXIC and/or CORROSIVE; inhalation, ingestion or skin contact with material may cause severe injury
or death.
•
Contact with molten substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes.
•
Avoid any skin contact.
•
Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
•
Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause environmental
contamination.
•
•
•
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FIRE OR EXPLOSION
Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive
and/or toxic fumes.
Some are oxidizers and may ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.).
Corrosives in contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas.
Containers may explode when heated.
For electric vehicles or equipment, GUIDE 147 (lithium ion or sodium ion batteries) or GUIDE 138
(sodium batteries) should also be consulted.
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.
Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.
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•
•
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PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
•
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 and/or Corrosive
(Non-Combustible)
GUIDE
154
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
FIRE
Small Fire
•
Dry chemical, CO2 or water spray.
Large Fire
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Dry chemical, CO2, alcohol-resistant foam or water spray.
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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.
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.
SPILL OR LEAK
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ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area.
•
Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing.
•
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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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:
•
For corrosives, in case of contact, immediately flush skin or eyes with running water for at least 30
minutes. Additional flushing may be required.
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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