Safety Precautions

RESIST RUSHING IN!

APPROACH CAUTIOUSLY FROM UPWIND, UPHILL OR UPSTREAM:.

• Stay clear of Vapor, Fumes, Smoke and Spills
• Keep vehicle at a safe distance from the scene.

SECURE THE SCENE.

• Isolate the area and protect yourself and others

IDENTIFY THE HAZARDS USING ANY OF THE FOLLOWING:

• Placards
• Container labels
• Shipping documents
• Rail Car and Road Trailer Identification Chart
• Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
• Knowledge of persons on scene
• Consult applicable guide page

ASSESS THE SITUATION.

• Is there a fire, a spill or a leak?
• What are the weather conditions?
• What is the terrain like?
• Who/what is at risk: people, property or the environment?
• What actions should be taken – evacuation, shelter in-place or dike?
• What resources (human and equipment) are required?
• What can be done immediately?

OBTAIN HELP:

• Advise your headquarters to notify responsible agencies and call for assistance from qualified personnel

RESPOND:

• Enter only when wearing appropriate protective gear
• Rescue attempts and protecting property must be weighed against you becoming part of the problem
• Establish a command post and lines of communication
• Continually reassess the situation and modify response accordingly
• Consider safety of people in the immediate area first, including your own safety

ABOVE ALL: Do not assume that gases or vapors are harmless because of lack of a smell—odorless gases or vapors may be harmful. Use CAUTION when handling empty containers because they may still present hazards until they are cleaned and purged of all residues.