Guide 174: Adsorbed Gases - Flammable or Oxidizing

ERG 2024 Guide 174, page 1GUIDE 174 Adsorbed Gases - Flammable or Oxidizing POTENTIAL HAZARDS FIRE OR EXPLOSION • Some gases will be ignited by heat, sparks or flames. • Substance does not burn but will support combustion. • Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. • Cylinders exposed to fire may vent and release flammable gas through pressure relief devices. • Containers may explode when exposed to prolonged direct flame impingement. • • • • HEALTH Vapors may cause dizziness or asphyxiation without warning, especially when in closed or confined areas. Some may be irritating if inhaled at high concentrations. Contact with gas may cause burns and injury. 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. 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). • Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides thermal protection but only limited chemical protection. EVACUATION Immediate precautionary measure • • • Isolate spill or leak area for at least 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions. Large Spill Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 800 meters (1/2 mile). Fire If several small packages (inside a railcar or trailer) are involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions. Page 278 ERG 2024#

ERG 2024 Guide 174, page 2Adsorbed Gases - Flammable or Oxidizing GUIDE 174 EMERGENCY RESPONSE FIRE • DO NOT EXTINGUISH A LEAKING GAS FIRE UNLESS LEAK CAN BE STOPPED. • Use extinguishing agent suitable for type of surrounding fire. Small Fire • Dry chemical or CO2. Large Fire • Water spray or fog. • If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire. • Damaged cylinders should be handled only by specialists. Fire Involving Several Small Packages (inside a railcar or trailer) • 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. • Do not direct water at source of leak or safety devices. • 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 • For flammable gases, ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. • For oxidizing substances, keep combustibles (wood, paper, oil, etc.) away from spilled material. • All equipment used when handling the product must be grounded. • Do not touch or walk through spilled material. • Stop leak if you can do it without risk. • Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact spilled material. • Do not direct water at spill or source of leak. • Prevent spreading of vapors through sewers, ventilation systems and confined areas. • Ventilate the area. • Isolate area until gas has dispersed. FIRST AID Refer to the “General First Aid” section. Specific First Aid: • In case of burns, immediately cool affected skin for as long as possible with cold water. Do not remove clothing if adhering to skin. • 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 279#