139 Substances - Water-Reactive                                                                  hpbutton.gif (1641 bytes)

(Emitting Flammable And Toxic Gases)

POTENTIAL HAZARDS

FIRE OR EXPLOSION

* Produce flammable and toxic gases on contact with water. * May ignite on contact with water or moist air. * Some react vigorously or explosively on contact with water. * May be ignited by heat, sparks or flames. * May re-ignite after fire is extinguished. * Some are transported in highly flammable liquids. * Runoff may create fire or explosion hazard.

HEALTH

* Highly toxic: contact with water produces toxic gas, may be fatal if inhaled. * Inhalation or contact with vapors, substance, or decomposition products may cause severe injury or death. * May produce corrosive solutions on contact with water. * Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. * Runoff from fire control may cause pollution.

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 to 150 meters (330 to 490 feet) in all directions. * Keep unauthorized personnel away. * Stay upwind. * Keep out of low areas. * Ventilate the area before entry.

PROTECTIVE CLOTHING

* Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). * Wear chemical protective clothing which is specifically recommended by the manufacturer. It may provide little or no thermal protection. * Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides limited protection in fire situations ONLY; it is not effective in spill situations.

EVACUATION

Large Spill:  See the Table of Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances for highlighted substances. For non-highlighted substances, increase, in the downwind direction, as necessary, the isolation distance shown under "PUBLIC SAFETY".

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

* DO NOT USE WATER OR FOAM. (FOAM MAY BE USED FOR CHLOROSILANES, SEE BELOW)

Small Fires:  Dry chemical, soda ash, lime or sand.

Large Fires:  * DRY sand, dry chemical, soda ash or lime or withdraw from area and let fire burn. * FOR CHLOROSILANES, DO NOT USE WATER; use AFFF alcohol-resistant medium expansion foam; DO NOT USE dry chemicals, soda ash or lime on chlorosilane fires (large or small) as they may release large quantities of hydrogen gas which may explode. * Move containers from fire area if you can do it without risk.

Fire involving Tanks or Car/Trailer Loads:  * 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 get water inside containers. * 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

* Fully encapsulating, vapor protective clothing should be worn for spills and leaks with no fire. * ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames in immediate area). * Do not touch or walk through spilled material.          * Stop leak if you can do it without risk. * DO NOT GET WATER on spilled substance or inside containers. * Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact spilled material. * FOR CHLOROSILANES, use AFFF alcohol-resistant medium expansion foam to reduce vapors.

Small Spills:  * Cover with DRY earth, DRY sand, or other non-combustible material followed with plastic sheet to minimize spreading or contact with rain. * Dike for later disposal; do not apply water unless directed to do so.

Powder Spills:  * Cover powder spill with plastic sheet or tarp to minimize spreading and keep powder dry. * DO NOT CLEAN-UP OR DISPOSE OF, EXCEPT UNDER SUPERVISION OF A SPECIALIST.

FIRST AID

* Move victim to fresh air. * Call 911 or emergency medical service. * Apply artificial respiration if victim is not breathing. * Do not use mouth-to-mouth method if victim ingested or inhaled the substance; induce artificial respiration with the aid of a pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other proper respiratory medical device. * Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult. * Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes. * In case of contact with substance, wipe from skin immediately; flush skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes. * Keep victim warm and quiet.        * Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved, and take precautions to protect themselves.

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