ERG 2024 Guide 159
ERG 2024 Guide 159
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 159, page 1GUIDE 159 Substances (Irritating) POTENTIAL HAZARDS HEALTH • Inhalation of vapors or dust is extremely irritating. • May cause burning of eyes and lachrymation (flow of tears). • May cause coughing, difficult breathing and nausea. • Brief exposure effects last only a few minutes. • Exposure in an enclosed area may be very harmful. • Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. • Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause environmental contamination. • • FIRE OR EXPLOSION Some of these materials may burn, but none ignite readily. Containers may explode when heated. 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. Large Spill • • Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 100 meters (330 feet). 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 248 ERG 2024#
ERG 2024 Guide 159, page 2Substances (Irritating) GUIDE 159 EMERGENCY RESPONSE FIRE Small Fire • Dry chemical, CO2, water spray or regular foam. Large Fire • Water spray, fog or regular foam. • If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire. • • 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. • 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. • 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 • Do not touch or walk through spilled material. • Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Small Spill • Pick up with sand or other non-combustible absorbent material and place into containers for later disposal. Large Spill • Dike far ahead of liquid spill for later disposal. • Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. 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 249#