GUIDE
157
Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible/Water-Sensitive)
POTENTIAL HAZARDS
HEALTH
  • TOXIC; inhalation, ingestion or contact (skin, eyes) with vapors, dusts or substance may cause severe injury, burns or death.
  • Reaction with water or moist air will release toxic, corrosive or flammable gases.
  • Reaction with water may generate much heat that will increase the concentration of fumes in the air.
  • Fire will 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.
  • UN1796, UN1802, UN1826, UN2032, UN3084, UN3085, and, at concentrations above 65%, UN2031 may act as oxidizers . Also consult GUIDE 140.
  • Vapors may accumulate in confined areas (basement, tanks, hopper/tank cars etc.).
  • Substance will react with water (some violently), releasing corrosive and/or toxic gases and runoff.
  • Contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas.
  • Containers may explode when heated or if contaminated with water.
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
  • Note: Most foams will react with the material and release corrosive/toxic gases.
Small Fire
  • CO2 (except for Cyanides), dry chemical, dry sand, alcohol-resistant foam.
Large Fire
  • Water spray, fog or alcohol-resistant foam.
  • If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire.
  • Avoid aiming straight or solid streams directly onto the product.
  • Dike fire-control water for later disposal.
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.
  • All equipment used when handling the product must be grounded.
  • Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing.
  • Stop leak if you can do it without risk.
  • A vapor suppressing foam may be used to reduce vapors.
  • DO NOT GET WATER INSIDE CONTAINERS.
  • Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact spilled material.
  • Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas.
Small Spill
  • Cover with DRY earth, DRY sand or other non-combustible material followed with plastic sheet to minimize spreading or contact with rain.
  • Use clean non-sparking tools to collect material and place it into loosely covered plastic containers for later disposal.
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.
  • In case of skin contact with Hydrofluoric acid (UN1790), if calcium gluconate gel is available, rinse 5 minutes, then apply gel. Otherwise, continue rinsing until medical treatment is available.

ERG 2024