158 Infectious Substances                                                                             hpbutton.gif (1641 bytes)

POTENTIAL HAZARDS

HEALTH

* Inhalation or contact with substance may cause infection, disease, or death. * Runoff from fire control may cause pollution. * Note: Damaged packages containing solid CO2 as a refrigerant may produce water or frost from condensation of air. Do not touch this liquid as it could be contaminated by the contents of the parcel.

FIRE OR EXPLOSION

* Some of these materials may burn, but none ignite readily. * Some may be transported in flammable liquids.

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. * Obtain identity of substance involved.

PROTECTIVE CLOTHING

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

EMERGENCY RESPONSE

FIRE

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

Large Fires:  * Use extinguishing agent suitable for type of surrounding fire. * Move containers from fire area if you can do it without risk. * Do not scatter spilled material with high pressure water streams.

SPILL OR LEAK

* Do not touch or walk through spilled material. * Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. * Absorb with earth, sand or other non-combustible material. * Cover damaged package or spilled material with damp towel or rag and keep wet with liquid bleach or other disinfectant. * DO NOT CLEAN-UP OR DISPOSE OF, EXCEPT UNDER SUPERVISION OF A SPECIALIST.

FIRST AID

* Move victim to a safe isolated area. CAUTION: Victim may be a source of contamination. * Call 911 or emergency medical service. * Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes. * In case of contact with substance, immediately flush skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes. * Effects of exposure (inhalation, ingestion or skin contact) to substance may be delayed. * For further assistance, contact your local Poison Control Center.            * Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved, and take precautions to protect themselves.

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