GUIDE
136
Substances - Spontaneously Combustible - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Air-Reactive)
POTENTIAL HAZARDS
FIRE OR EXPLOSION
  • Extremely flammable; will ignite itself if exposed to air.
  • Burns rapidly, releasing dense, white, irritating fumes.
  • Substance may be transported in a molten form.
  • May re-ignite after fire is extinguished.
  • Corrosive substances in contact with metals may produce flammable hydrogen gas.
  • Containers may explode when heated.
HEALTH
  • Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
  • TOXIC; ingestion of substance or inhalation of decomposition products will cause severe injury or death.
  • Contact with substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes.
  • Some effects may be experienced due to skin absorption.
  • Runoff from fire control may be corrosive and/or toxic and 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.
  • Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
  • Keep unauthorized personnel away.
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.
  • For Phosphorus (UN1381): Special aluminized protective clothing should be worn when direct contact with the substance is possible.
EVACUATION
Immediate precautionary measure.
  • Isolate spill or leak area immediately for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.
Spill
  • For highlighted materials: see Protective Distance tab - 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
  • Water spray, wet sand or wet earth.
Large Fire
  • Water spray or fog.
  • Do not scatter spilled material with high pressure water streams.
  • 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.
SPILL OR LEAK
  • ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) in immediate area.
  • Do not touch or walk through spilled material.
  • Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing.
  • Stop leak if you can do it without risk.
Small Spill
  • Cover with water, sand or earth. Shovel into metal container and keep material under water.
Large Spill
  • Dike for later disposal and cover with wet sand or earth.
  • Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas.
FIRST AID
Refer to the "General First Aid" Section
Specific First Aid:
  • In case of contact with substance, keep exposed skin areas immersed in water or covered with wet bandages until medical attention is received.
  • Removal of solidified molten material from skin requires medical assistance.
  • Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes at the site and place in metal container filled with water. Fire hazard if allowed to dry.

ERG 2024