GUIDE
173
Adsorbed Gases - Flammable or Oxidizing
POTENTIAL HAZARDS
FIRE OR EXPLOSION
  • Some gases will be ignited by heat, sparks or flames but NOT readily due to low transportation pressures.
  • Substance does not burn but will support combustion.
  • Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back.
  • Cylinders exposed to fire may vent and release toxic and/or flammable gas through pressure relief devices.
  • Containers may explode when exposed to prolonged direct flame impingement.
HEALTH
  • Vapors may cause dizziness or asphyxiation without warning.
  • Some may be irritating if inhaled at high concentrations.
  • Contact with gas may cause burns and injury.
  • 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.
  • As an immediate precautionary measure, isolate spill or leak area for at least 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions.
  • Keep unauthorized personnel away.
  • Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
  • Many gases are heavier than air and will spread along ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks, etc.).
  • Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.
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 immediately for at least 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions.
Large Spill
  • Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 800 meters (1/2 mile).
Fire
  • If several small packages (rail or trailer) are involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 1600 meters (1 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
  • DO NOT EXTINGUISH A LEAKING GAS FIRE UNLESS LEAK CAN BE STOPPED.
  • Use extinguishing agent suitable for type of surrounding fire.
Small Fire
  • Dry chemical or CO2.
Large Fire
  • Water spray or fog.
  • If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire.
  • Damaged cylinders should be handled only by specialists.
Fire involving Several Small Packages (rail or trailer)
  • 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.
  • Do not direct water at source of leak or safety devices.
  • Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank.
  • ALWAYS stay away from tanks engulfed in fire.
  • For massive fire, use unmanned hose holders or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn.
SPILL OR LEAK
  • For flammable gases, ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area.
  • For oxidizing substances, keep combustibles (wood, paper, oil, etc.) away from spilled material.
  • All equipment used when handling the product must be grounded.
  • Do not touch or walk through spilled material.
  • Stop leak if you can do it without risk.
  • Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact spilled material.
  • Do not direct water at spill or source of leak.
  • Prevent spreading of vapors through sewers, ventilation systems and confined areas.
  • Ventilate the area
  • Isolate area until gas has dispersed.
FIRST AID
Refer to the "General First Aid" Section
Specific First Aid:
  • In case of burns, immediately cool affected skin for as long as possible with cold water. Do not remove clothing if adhering to skin.

ERG 2024