ERG 121.pdf

ERG2008GUIDE

POTENTIAL HAZARDS

HEALTH

• Vapors may cause dizziness or asphyxiation without warning.

• Vapors from liquefied gas are init ial ly heavier than air and spread along ground.

FIRE OR EXPLOSION

• Non-flammable gases.

• Containers may explode when heated.

• Ruptured cylinders may rocket.

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.

• As an immediate precautionary measure, isolate spil l or leak area for at least 100 meters (330 feet) in al l direct ions.

• Keep unauthor ized personnel away.

• Stay upwind.

• Many gases are heavier than a i r and wi l l spread a long ground and col lect in low or conf ined areas (sewers, basements, tanks) .

• Keep out of low areas.

• Venti late closed spaces before entering.

PROTECTIVE CLOTHING

• Wear posit ive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

• Structural f i ref ighters’ protect ive clothing wi l l only provide l imited protect ion.

EVACUATION

Large Spi l l

• Consider in i t ia l downwind evacuat ion for at least 100 meters (330 feet) .

F i r e

• I f tank, ra i l car or tank t ruck is involved in a f i re, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mi le) in a l l d i rect ions; a lso, consider in i t ia l evacuat ion for 800 meters (1/2 mi le) in a l l d i rect ions.

GASES - INERT

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ERG2008 GUIDE

EMERGENCY RESPONSE

FIRE

• Use extinguishing agent suitable for type of surrounding f ire.

• Move containers from fire area if you can do it without r isk.

• Damaged cylinders should be handled only by specialists.

Fire involving Tanks

• Fight f ire from maximum distance or use unmanned hose holders or monitor nozzles.

• Cool containers with f looding quantit ies of water unti l well after f ire is out.

• Do not direct water at source of leak or safety devices; icing may occur.

• Withdraw immediately in case of r ising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank.

• ALWAYS stay away from tanks engulfed in f ire.

SPILL OR LEAK

• Do not touch or walk through spil led material.

• Stop leak if you can do it without r isk.

• Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact spil led material.

• Do not direct water at spil l or source of leak.

• If possible, turn leaking containers so that gas escapes rather than l iquid.

• Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas.

• Allow substance to evaporate.

• Venti late the area.

FIRST AID

• Move victim to fresh air. • Call 911 or emergency medical service.

• Give arti f icial respiration if victim is not breathing.

• Administer oxygen if breathing is diff icult.

• Keep victim warm and quiet.

• Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved and take precautions to protect themselves.

GASES - INERT

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