GUIDE
149
Substances (Self-Reactive)
POTENTIAL HAZARDS
FIRE OR EXPLOSION
  • Self-decomposition or self-ignition may be triggered by heat, chemical reaction, friction or impact.
  • May be ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
  • Some may decompose explosively when heated or involved in a fire.
  • Those substances designated with a (P) may polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire.
  • May burn violently. Decomposition or polymerization may be self-accelerating and produce large amounts of gases.
  • Vapors or dust may form explosive mixtures with air.
HEALTH
  • Inhalation or contact with vapors, substance or decomposition products may cause severe injury or death.
  • May produce irritating, toxic and/or corrosive 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.
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 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions.
Large Spill
  • Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 250 meters (800 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
Small Fire
  • Dry chemical, CO2, water spray or regular foam.
Large Fire
  • Flood fire area with water from a distance.
  • If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire.
Fire involving Tanks or Car/Trailer Loads
  • BEWARE OF POSSIBLE CONTAINER EXPLOSION.
  • 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.
  • Stop leak if you can do it without risk.
Small Spill
  • Pick up with inert, damp, non-combustible material using clean non-sparking tools and place into loosely covered plastic containers for later disposal.
  • Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas.
FIRST AID
Refer to the "General First Aid" Section

ERG 2024