GUIDE
128
Flammable Liquids (Water-Immiscible)
POTENTIAL HAZARDS
FIRE OR EXPLOSION
  • HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
  • Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air.
  • Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back.
  • Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks, etc.).
  • Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers.
  • Those substances designated with a (P) may polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire.
  • Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard.
  • Containers may explode when heated.
  • Many liquids are lighter than water.
  • Substance may be transported hot.
  • For hybrid vehicles, GUIDE 147 (lithium ion or sodium ion batteries) or GUIDE 138 (sodium batteries) should also be consulted.
  • If molten aluminum is involved, refer to GUIDE 169.
HEALTH
CAUTION: Petroleum crude oil (UN1267) may contain TOXIC hydrogen sulphide gas.
  • Inhalation or contact with material may irritate or burn skin and eyes.
  • Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
  • Vapors may cause dizziness or suffocation.
  • Runoff from fire control 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.
  • 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 immediately for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions.
Large Spill
  • Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 300 meters (1000 feet).
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
CAUTION: The majority of these products have a very low flash point. Use of water spray when fighting fire may be inefficient.
CAUTION: For mixtures containing alcohol or polar solvent, alcohol-resistant foam may be more effective.
Small Fire
  • Dry chemical, CO2, water spray or regular foam. If regular foam is ineffective or unavailable, use alcohol-resistant foam.
Large Fire
  • Water spray, fog or regular foam. If regular foam is ineffective or unavailable, use alcohol-resistant foam.
  • Avoid aiming straight or solid streams directly onto the product.
  • If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire.
Fire involving Tanks or Car/Trailer Loads
  • 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.
  • Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank.
  • ALWAYS stay away from tanks engulfed in fire.
  • For massive fire, use unmanned hose holders or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn.
SPILL OR LEAK
  • ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) in immediate area.
  • 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.
  • Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas.
  • A vapor suppressing foam may be used to reduce vapors.
  • Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers.
  • Use clean non-sparking tools to collect absorbed material.
Large Spill
  • Dike far ahead of liquid spill for later disposal.
  • Water spray may reduce vapor; but may not prevent ignition in closed spaces.
FIRST AID
Refer to the "General First Aid" Section
Specific First Aid:
  • Wash skin with soap and water.
  • In case of burns, immediately cool affected skin for as long as possible with cold water. Do not remove clothing if adhering to skin.

ERG 2024