GUIDE
140
Oxidizers
POTENTIAL HAZARDS
FIRE OR EXPLOSION
CAUTION: Ammonium nitrate products may explode if involved in fire or contaminated with hydrocarbons (fuels), organic matter, other contaminants or when hot molten and contained. Treat as an explosive (GUIDE 112).
  • These substances will accelerate burning when involved in a fire.
  • Some may decompose explosively when heated or involved in a fire.
  • May explode from heat or contamination.
  • Some will react explosively with hydrocarbons (fuels).
  • May ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.).
  • Containers may explode when heated.
  • Runoff may create fire or explosion hazard.
HEALTH
  • Inhalation, ingestion or contact (skin, eyes) with vapors or substance may cause severe injury, burns or death.
  • Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
  • 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).
  • 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 in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.
Large Spill
  • Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 100 meters (330 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.
  • If ammonium nitrate products are in a tank, rail car or truck and involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions; also, initiate evacuation including emergency responders for 1600 meters (1 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
  • Use water. Do not use dry chemicals or foams. CO2 or Halon® may provide limited control.
Large Fire
  • Flood fire area with water from a distance.
  • Do not move cargo or vehicle if cargo has been exposed to heat.
  • If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire.
Fire involving Tanks or Car/Trailer Loads
  • For ammonium nitrate products: Do not fight cargo fire. Withdraw, evacuate and isolate area for at least 1600 meters (1 mile). Treat as an explosive (GUIDE 112). Do not enter area for 24 hours or until expert advice has been provided.
  • 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.
  • 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
  • Keep combustibles (wood, paper, oil, etc.) away from spilled material.
  • Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing.
  • Stop leak if you can do it without risk.
  • Do not get water inside containers.
Small Dry Spill
  • With clean shovel place material into clean, dry container and cover loosely; move containers from spill area.
Small Liquid Spill
  • Use a non-combustible material like vermiculite or sand to soak up the product and place into a container for later disposal.
Large Spill
  • Dike far ahead of liquid spill for later disposal.
FIRST AID
Refer to the "General First Aid" Section
Specific First Aid:
  • Contaminated clothing may be a fire risk when dry.

ERG 2024