# Guide 171: Substances (Low to Moderate Hazard)

- **operation:** document
- **citation:** ERG 2024 Guide 171
- **title:** Guide 171: Substances (Low to Moderate Hazard)
- **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 171: Substances (Low to Moderate Hazard).
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- **source url:** https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/erg/guide?number=171
**body:**

GUIDE
171
Substances (Low to Moderate Hazard)
POTENTIAL HAZARDS
FIRE OR EXPLOSION
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Some may burn but none ignite readily.
•
Containers may explode when heated.
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Some may be transported hot.
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For UN3508, Capacitor, asymmetric, be aware of possible short circuiting as this product is transported
in a charged state.
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Polymeric beads, expandable (UN2211) may evolve flammable vapours.
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•
•
•
•
HEALTH
Inhalation of material may be harmful.
Contact may cause burns to skin and eyes.
Inhalation of Asbestos dust may have a damaging effect on the lungs.
Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
Some liquids produce vapors that may cause dizziness or asphyxiation.
Runoff from fire control or dilution water may 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.
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•
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PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
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Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
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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 (Low to Moderate Hazard)
GUIDE
171
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
FIRE
CAUTION: Fire involving Safety devices (UN3268) and Fire suppressant dispersing devices (UN3559) may
have a delayed activation and a risk of hazardous projectiles. Extinguish the fire at a safe distance.
Small Fire
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Dry chemical, CO2, water spray or regular foam.
Large Fire
Water spray, fog or regular foam.
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Do not scatter spilled material with high-pressure water streams.
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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
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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Do not touch or walk through spilled material.
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Stop leak if you can do it without risk.
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Prevent dust cloud.
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For Asbestos, avoid inhalation of dust. Cover spill with plastic sheet or tarp to minimize spreading. Do not
clean up or dispose of, except under supervision of a specialist.
Small Dry Spill
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With clean shovel, place material into clean, dry container and cover loosely; move containers from spill
area.
Small Spill
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Pick up with sand or other non-combustible absorbent material and place into containers for later
disposal.
Large Spill
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Dike far ahead of liquid spill for later disposal.
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Cover powder spill with plastic sheet or tarp to minimize spreading.
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Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas.
FIRST AID
Refer to the “General First Aid” section.
ERG 2024
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