GUIDE
154
Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible)
POTENTIAL HAZARDS
HEALTH
  • TOXIC; inhalation, ingestion or skin contact with material may cause severe injury or death.
  • Contact with molten substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes.
  • Avoid any skin contact.
  • Effects of contact or inhalation may be delayed.
  • Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
  • Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause environmental contamination.
FIRE OR EXPLOSION
  • Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes.
  • Some are oxidizers and may ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.).
  • Contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas.
  • Containers may explode when heated.
  • For electric vehicles or equipment, GUIDE 147 (lithium ion batteries) or GUIDE 138 (sodium batteries) should also be consulted.
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 enclosed areas.
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.
Spill
  • See Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances for highlighted materials. For non-highlighted materials, increase, 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, CO2 or water spray.
Large Fire
  • Dry chemical, CO2, alcohol-resistant foam or water spray.
  • If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire.
  • Dike fire-control water for later disposal; do not scatter the material.
Fire involving Tanks or Car/Trailer Loads
  • Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned hose holders or monitor nozzles.
  • Do not get water inside containers.
  • 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 damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing.
  • Stop leak if you can do it without risk.
  • Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas.
  • Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers.
  • DO NOT GET WATER INSIDE CONTAINERS.
FIRST AID
Refer to the "General First Aid" Section
Specific First Aid:
  • For corrosives, in case of contact, immediately flush skin or eyes with running water for at least 30 minutes. Additional flushing may be required.

ERG 2024