Guide 169: Aluminum (Molten)

ERG 2024 Guide 169, page 1GUIDE 169 Aluminum (Molten) POTENTIAL HAZARDS FIRE OR EXPLOSION • Substance is transported in molten form at a temperature above 705°C (1300°F). • Violent reaction with water; contact may cause an explosion or may produce a flammable gas. • Will ignite combustible materials (wood, paper, oil, debris, etc.). • Contact with nitrates or other oxidizers may cause an explosion. • Contact with containers or other materials, including cold, wet or dirty tools, may cause an explosion. • Contact with concrete will cause spalling and small pops. • • HEALTH Contact causes severe burns to skin and eyes. Fire may produce irritating and/or toxic gases. 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. Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream. Keep unauthorized personnel away. Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped. • • • • PROTECTIVE CLOTHING • Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). • Wear flame-retardant structural firefighters’ protective clothing, including faceshield, helmet and gloves, as this will provide limited thermal protection. EVACUATION Immediate precautionary measure • Isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions. Page 268 ERG 2024#

ERG 2024 Guide 169, page 2Aluminum (Molten) GUIDE 169 EMERGENCY RESPONSE FIRE • • • • Do not use water, except in life-threatening situations and then only in a fine spray. Do not use halogenated extinguishing agents or foam. Move combustibles out of path of advancing pool if you can do so without risk. Extinguish fires started by molten material by using appropriate method for the burning material; keep water, halogenated extinguishing agents and foam away from the molten material. SPILL OR LEAK • Do not touch or walk through spilled material. • Do not attempt to stop leak, due to danger of explosion. • Keep combustibles (wood, paper, oil, etc.) away from spilled material. • Substance is very fluid, spreads quickly, and may splash. Do not try to stop it with shovels or other objects. • Dike far ahead of spill; use dry sand to contain the flow of material. • Where possible allow molten material to solidify naturally. • Avoid contact even after material solidifies. Molten, heated and cold aluminum look alike; do not touch unless you know it is cold. • Clean up under the supervision of an expert after material has solidified. FIRST AID Refer to the “General First Aid” section. Specific First Aid: • Removal of solidified molten material from skin requires medical assistance. ERG 2024 Page 269#