115
Gases - Flammable
(Including Refrigerated Liquids)
POTENTIAL HAZARDS
FIRE OR EXPLOSION
- EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE.
- Will be easily ignited by heat,
sparks or flames.
- Will form explosive mixtures with
air.
- Vapors from liquefied gas are
initially heavier than air and spread along
ground.
- Vapors may travel to source of
ignition and flash back.
- Containers may explode when heated.
- Ruptured cylinders may rocket.
HEALTH
- Vapors may cause dizziness or
asphyxiation without warning.
- Some may be irritating if inhaled
at high concentrations.
- Contact with gas or liquefied
gas may cause burns, severe injury and/or
frostbite.
- Fire may produce irritating and/or
toxic gases.
PUBLIC SAFETY
- CALL Emergency Response Telephone
Number on Shipping Paper first. If Shipping Paper not available or no answer,
refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover.
- Isolate spill or leak area immediately
for at least 50 to 100 meters (160
to 330 feet) in all directions.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away.
- Stay upwind.
- Many gases are heavier than air
and will spread along ground and collect
in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks).
- Keep out of low areas.
PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
- Wear positive pressure self-contained
breathing apparatus (SCBA).
- Structural firefighters' protective
clothing will only provide limited protection.
- Always wear thermal protective
clothing when handling refrigerated/cryogenic
liquids.
EVACUATION
Large Spill
- Consider initial downwind evacuation
for at least 800 meters (1/2
mile).
Fire
- If tank, rail car or tank truck
is 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.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
FIRE
- DO NOT EXTINGUISH A LEAKING GAS
FIRE UNLESS LEAK CAN BE STOPPED.
Small Fires
Large Fires
- Water spray or fog.
- Move containers from fire area
if you can do it without risk.
Fire involving Tanks
- 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; icing may occur.
- 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
- 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 or walk through spilled
material.
- Stop leak if you can do it without
risk.
- If possible, turn leaking containers
so that gas escapes rather than liquid.
- 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.
- Isolate area until gas has dispersed.
CAUTION: When in contact with
refrigerated/cryogenic liquids, many materials become
brittle and are likely to break without warning.
FIRST AID
- Move victim to fresh air.
- Call 911 or emergency medical
service.
- Apply artificial respiration
if victim is not breathing.
- Administer oxygen if breathing
is difficult.
- Remove and isolate contaminated
clothing and shoes.
- Clothing frozen to the skin should
be thawed before being removed.
- In case of contact with liquefied
gas, thaw frosted parts with lukewarm
water
- Keep victim warm and quiet.
- Ensure that medical personnel
are aware of the material(s) involved, and
take precautions to protect themselves.