126 Gases - Compressed or Liquefied
(Including Refrigerant Gases)  |
| POTENTIAL HAZARDS |
FIRE
OR EXPLOSION |
*
Some may burn, but none ignite readily. * Containers may explode when heated. * Ruptured
cylinders may rocket. |
HEALTH |
*
Vapors may cause dizziness or asphyxiation without warning. * Vapors from liquefied gas
are initially heavier than air and spread along ground. * Contact with gas or liquefied
gas may cause burns, severe injury and/or frostbite. * Fire may produce irritating,
corrosive 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 100 meters (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. * 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 500 meters (1/3 mile). |
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. |
Small
Fires: Dry chemical or CO2. |
Large
Fires: * Water spray, fog or regular foam. * 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. * Some of these materials, if
spilled, may evaporate leaving a flammable residue. |
SPILL
OR LEAK |
*
Do not touch or walk through spilled material. * Stop leak if you can do it without risk.
* Do not direct water at spill or source of leak. * Use water spray to reduce vapors or
divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact spilled material. * 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. *
Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes. * 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. |
