121 Gases - Inert                                                                                                 hpbutton.gif (1641 bytes)

POTENTIAL HAZARDS

HEALTH

* Vapors may cause dizziness or asphyxiation without warning. * Vapors from liquefied gas are initially heavier than air and spread along ground. * Contact with liquefied gas may cause frostbite.

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. * Isolate spill or leak area immediately for at least 10 to 25 meters (30 to 80 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. * Ventilate closed spaces before entering.

PROTECTIVE CLOTHING

* Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). * Structural firefighters' protective clothing will only provide limited protection. 

EVACUATION

Large Spill:   Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 100 meters (330 feet).
Fire:  If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE

FIRE

* Use extinguishing agent suitable for type of surrounding fire. * Move containers from fire area if you can do it without risk. * Damaged cylinders should be handled only by specialists.

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.

SPILL OR LEAK

* 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. * If possible, turn leaking containers so that gas escapes rather than liquid. * Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. * Allow substance to evaporate. * Ventilate the area.

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. * 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.

                                                                                                                                    hpbutton.gif (1641 bytes)