GUIDE
169
Aluminum (Molten)
POTENTIAL HAZARDS
FIRE OR EXPLOSION
- Substance is transported in molten form at a temperature above 705°C (1300°F).
- Violent reaction with water; contact may cause an explosion or may produce a flammable gas.
- Will ignite combustible materials (wood, paper, oil, debris, etc.).
- Contact with nitrates or other oxidizers may cause an explosion.
- Contact with containers or other materials, including cold, wet or dirty tools, may cause an explosion.
- Contact with concrete will cause spalling and small pops.
HEALTH
- Contact causes severe burns to skin and eyes.
- Fire may produce irritating and/or toxic gases.
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.
- Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.
PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
- Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
- Wear flame retardant structural firefighters' protective clothing, including faceshield, helmet and gloves, this will provide limited thermal protection.
EVACUATION
Immediate precautionary measure.
- Isolate spill or leak area immediately for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
FIRE
- Do Not Use Water, except in life threatening situations and then only in a fine spray.
- Do not use halogenated extinguishing agents or foam.
- Move combustibles out of path of advancing pool if you can do so without risk.
- Extinguish fires started by molten material by using appropriate method for the burning material; keep water, halogenated extinguishing agents and foam away from the molten material.
SPILL OR LEAK
- Do not touch or walk through spilled material.
- Do not attempt to stop leak, due to danger of explosion.
- Keep combustibles (wood, paper, oil, etc.) away from spilled material.
- Substance is very fluid, spreads quickly, and may splash. Do not try to stop it with shovels or other objects.
- Dike far ahead of spill; use dry sand to contain the flow of material.
- Where possible allow molten material to solidify naturally.
- Avoid contact even after material solidifies. Molten, heated and cold aluminum look alike; do not touch unless you know it is cold.
- Clean up under the supervision of an expert after material has solidified.
FIRST AID
Refer to the "General First Aid" Section
Specific First Aid:
- Removal of solidified molten material from skin requires medical assistance.
ERG 2024