GUIDE
123
Gases - Toxic
POTENTIAL HAZARDS
HEALTH
  • TOXIC; may be fatal if inhaled or absorbed through skin.
  • Vapors may be irritating and/or corrosive.
  • Contact with gas or liquefied gas may cause burns, severe injury and/or frostbite.
  • Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
  • Runoff from fire control may cause environmental contamination.
FIRE OR EXPLOSION
  • Some may burn but none ignite readily.
  • Vapors from liquefied gas are initially heavier than air and spread along ground.
  • Cylinders exposed to fire may vent and release toxic and/or corrosive gas through pressure relief devices.
  • Containers may explode when heated.
  • Ruptured cylinders may rocket.
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 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 immediately for at least 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions.
Spill
  • 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
  • If tank, rail car or tank truck 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.

In Canada, an Emergency Response Assistance Plan (ERAP) may be required for this product. Please consult the shipping document and/or the ERAP Program Section.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
FIRE
Small Fire
  • Dry chemical or CO2.
Large Fire
  • Water spray, fog or regular foam.
  • Do not get water inside containers.
  • 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 Tanks
  • Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned hose holders 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; icing may occur.
  • Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank.
  • ALWAYS stay away from tanks engulfed in fire.
SPILL OR LEAK
  • Do not touch or walk through spilled material.
  • Stop leak if you can do it without risk.
  • If possible, turn leaking containers so that gas escapes rather than liquid.
  • Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas.
  • 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.
  • Isolate area until gas has dispersed.
FIRST AID
Refer to the "General First Aid" Section
Specific First Aid:
  • In case of contact with liquefied gas, only medical personnel should attempt thawing frosted parts.

ERG 2024