GUIDE 126 |
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GASES - COMPRESSED or LIQUEFIED (Including Refrigerant Gases) |
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POTENTIAL HAZARDS
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- Some may burn but none ignite readily. |
- Containers may explode when heated. |
- Ruptured cylinders may rocket. |
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- 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. |
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PUBLIC SAFETY
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- 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.
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- As an immediate precautionary measure, isolate spill or leak area 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. |
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- Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). |
- Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer. It may provide little or no thermal protection. |
- Structural firefighters' protective clothing will only provide limited protection. |
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Large Spill
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- Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 500 meters (1/3 mile). |
Fire
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- 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. |
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EMERGENCY RESPONSE
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- Use extinguishing agent suitable for type of surrounding fire. |
Small Fire
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- Dry chemical or CO2. |
Large Fire
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- 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
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- 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. |
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- 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.
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- 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. |
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- Move victim to fresh air. |
- Call 911 or emergency medical service. |
- Give 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. |
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