Guide 156: Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Combustible/Water-Sensitive)

ERG 2024 Guide 156, page 1GUIDE 156 Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Combustible/Water-Sensitive) POTENTIAL HAZARDS FIRE OR EXPLOSION • Combustible material: may burn but does not ignite readily. • Substance will react with water (some violently) releasing flammable, toxic or corrosive gases and runoff. • When heated, vapors may form explosive mixtures with air: indoors, outdoors and sewers explosion hazards. • Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along the ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks, etc.). • Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. • Corrosives in contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas. • Containers may explode when heated or if contaminated with water. • • • • • • HEALTH TOXIC and/or CORROSIVE; inhalation, ingestion or contact (skin, eyes) with vapors, dusts or substance may cause severe injury, burns or death. Contact with molten substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes. Reaction with water or moist air may release toxic, corrosive or flammable gases. Reaction with water may generate much heat that will increase the concentration of fumes in the air. Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and 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. 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 in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids. 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 242 ERG 2024#

ERG 2024 Guide 156, page 2Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Combustible/Water-Sensitive) GUIDE 156 EMERGENCY RESPONSE FIRE • Note: Most foams will react with the material and release corrosive/toxic gases. CAUTION: For Acetyl bromide (UN1716), use CO2 or dry chemical only. Small Fire • CO2, dry chemical, dry sand, alcohol-resistant foam. Large Fire • Water spray, fog or alcohol-resistant foam. • FOR CHLOROSILANES, DO NOT USE WATER; use alcohol-resistant foam. • If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire. • 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. • Do not get water inside containers. • 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 • ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. • All equipment used when handling the product must be grounded. • Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. • Stop leak if you can do it without risk. • A vapor-suppressing foam may be used to reduce vapors. • FOR CHLOROSILANES, use alcohol-resistant foam to reduce vapors. • DO NOT GET WATER on spilled substance or inside containers. • Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact spilled material. • Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. Small Spill • Cover with DRY earth, DRY sand or other non-combustible material followed with plastic sheet to minimize spreading or contact with rain. • Use clean, non-sparking tools to collect material and place it into loosely covered plastic containers for later disposal. 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. • 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 Page 243#