Guide Pages

 

Name of Material
 
 
Air, compressed
 
 
GUIDE
122
GASES - OXIDIZING (Including Refrigerated Liquids)
 
POTENTIAL HAZARDS

FIRE OR EXPLOSION

  • Substance does not burn but will support combustion.
  • Some may react explosively with fuels.
  • May ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.).
  • Vapors from liquefied gas are initially heavier than air and spread along ground.
  • Runoff may create fire or explosion hazard.
  • Containers may explode when heated.
  • Ruptured cylinders may rocket.

HEALTH

  • Vapors may cause dizziness or asphyxiation without warning.
  • Contact with gas or liquefied gas may cause burns, severe injury and/or frostbite.
  • Fire may produce irritating 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.
  • 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.

PROTECTIVE CLOTHING

  • 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 provides limited protection in fire situations ONLY; it is not effective in spill situations where direct contact with the substance is possible.
  • Always wear thermal protective clothing when handling refrigerated/cryogenic liquids.

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 Fire

  • Dry chemical or CO2.

Large Fire

  • 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.
  • For massive fire, use unmanned hose holders or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn.

SPILL OR LEAK

  • Keep combustibles (wood, paper, oil, etc.) away from spilled material.
  • Do not touch or walk through spilled material.
  • Stop leak if you can do it without risk.
  • If possible, turn leaking containers so that gas escapes rather than liquid.
  • 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.
  • Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas.
  • Allow substance to evaporate.
  • Isolate area until gas has dispersed.
CAUTION: When in contact with refrigerated/cryogenic liquids, many materials become brittle and are likely to break without warning.

FIRST AID

  • 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.
  • 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.
 
 
 
 
Date modified:
2012-08-08