Guide 160: Halogenated Solvents

ERG 2024 Guide 160, page 1GUIDE 160 Halogenated Solvents POTENTIAL HAZARDS HEALTH • Toxic by ingestion. • Vapors may cause dizziness or asphyxiation, especially when in closed or confined areas. • Exposure in an enclosed area may be very harmful. • Contact may irritate or burn skin and eyes. • Fire may produce irritating 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. • Most vapors are heavier than air. • Air/vapor mixtures may explode when ignited. • Container may explode in heat of fire. • • • • • 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. Many gases are heavier than air and will spread along the ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks, etc.). 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 for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions. 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 250 ERG 2024#

ERG 2024 Guide 160, page 2Halogenated Solvents GUIDE 160 EMERGENCY RESPONSE FIRE Small Fire • Dry chemical, CO2 or water spray. Large Fire • Dry chemical, CO2, alcohol-resistant foam or water spray. • 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. • 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. • Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Small Liquid Spill • Pick up with sand, earth or other non-combustible absorbent material. 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. Specific First Aid: • Wash skin with soap and water. ERG 2024 Page 251#