GUIDE
171
Substances (Low to Moderate Hazard)
POTENTIAL HAZARDS
FIRE OR EXPLOSION
  • Some may burn but none ignite readily.
  • Containers may explode when heated.
  • For UN3508, Capacitor, asymmetric, be aware of possible short circuiting as this product is transported in a charged state.
  • Polymeric beads, expandable (UN2211) may evolve flammable vapours.
HEALTH
  • Inhalation of material may be harmful.
  • Contact may cause burns to skin and eyes.
  • Inhalation of Asbestos dust may have a damaging effect on the lungs.
  • Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
  • Some liquids produce vapors that may cause dizziness or suffocation.
  • 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).
  • 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
  • For highlighted materialssee Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances.
  • For non-highlighted materials: increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, 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.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
FIRE
CAUTION: Fire involving Safety devices (UN3268) and Fire suppressant dispersing devices (UN3559) may have a delayed activation and a risk of hazardous projectiles. Extinguish the fire at a safe distance.
Small Fire
  • Dry chemical, CO2, water spray or regular foam.
Large Fire
  • Water spray, fog or regular foam.
  • Do not scatter spilled material with high pressure water streams.
  • If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire.
  • Dike fire-control water for later disposal.
Fire involving Tanks
  • 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
  • Do not touch or walk through spilled material.
  • Stop leak if you can do it without risk.
  • Prevent dust cloud.
  • For Asbestos, avoid inhalation of dust . Cover spill with plastic sheet or tarp to minimize spreading. Do not clean up or dispose of, except under supervision of a specialist.
Small Dry Spill
  • With clean shovel place material into clean, dry container and cover loosely; move containers from spill area.
Small Spill
  • Pick up with sand or other non-combustible absorbent material and place into containers for later disposal.
Large Spill
  • Dike far ahead of liquid spill for later disposal.
  • Cover powder spill with plastic sheet or tarp to minimize spreading.
  • Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas.
FIRST AID
Refer to the "General First Aid" Section

ERG 2024