Emergency Response Guide No. 115 for GASES - FLAMMABLE (Including Refrigerated Liquids)

Source: Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

Emergency Response Guide No. 115 for GASES – FLAMMABLE (Including Refrigerated Liquids)
Source: Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

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 the ground.
CAUTION: Hydrogen (UN1049), Deuterium (UN1957), Hydrogen, refrigerated liquid (UN1966), and Methane (UN1971) are lighter than air and will rise. Hydrogen and Deuterium fires are difficult to detect since they burn with an invisible flame. Use an alternate method of detection (thermal camera, broom handle, etc.).
Vapors may travel to the source of ignition and flashback.
Cylinders exposed to fire may vent and release flammable gas through pressure relief devices.
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 the Shipping Paper is not available or there is no answer, refer to the appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover.
As an immediate precautionary measure, isolate the 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 the ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks).

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 a 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.
For fires involving Liquefied Petroleum Gases (LPG) (UN1075); Butane, (UN1011); Butylene, (UN1012); Isobutylene, (UN1055); Propylene, (UN1077); Isobutane, (UN1969); and Propane, (UN1978), also refer to BLEVE – SAFETY PRECAUTIONS (Page 368).
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 (page 391).

EMERGENCY RESPONSE
FIRE – DO NOT EXTINGUISH A LEAKING GAS FIRE UNLESS LEAK CAN BE STOPPED.
CAUTION: Hydrogen (UN1049), Deuterium (UN1957), and Hydrogen, refrigerated liquid (UN1966) burn with an invisible flame. Hydrogen and Methane mixture, compressed (UN2034) may burn with an invisible flame.
Small Fire: Use dry chemical or CO2.
Large Fire: Use water spray or fog. Move containers from the 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 the fire is out. Do not direct water at the source of the leak or safety devices; icing may occur. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of the 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 the area and let the fire burn.

SPILL OR LEAK
ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks, or flames in the immediate area).
All equipment used when handling the product must be grounded.
Do not touch or walk through spilled material.
Stop the 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 the spill or source of leak.
Prevent the spread of vapors through sewers, ventilation systems, and confined areas.
Isolate the area until the gas has dispersed.

CAUTION: When in contact with refrigerated/cryogenic liquids, many materials become brittle and are likely to break without warning.

FIRST AID
Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved and take precautions to protect themselves.
Move the victim to fresh air.
Call 911 or emergency medical service.
Give artificial respiration if the 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.
In case of burns, immediately cool affected skin for as long as possible with cold water. Do not remove clothing if adhering to the skin.
Keep the victim calm and warm.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration

1200 NEW JERSEY AVENUE, SE
WASHINGTON, DC 20590
202-366-4433