GUIDE
154

Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive
(Non-Combustible)

• TOXIC and/or CORROSIVE; inhalation, ingestion or skin contact with material may cause severe injury or death.
• Contact with molten substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes.
• Avoid any skin contact.
• Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
• Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause environmental contamination.

• Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes.
• Some are oxidizers and may ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.).
• Corrosives in contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas.
• Containers may explode when heated.
• For electric vehicles or equipment, GUIDE 147 (lithium ion batteries) or GUIDE 138 (sodium batteries) should also be consulted.

• CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover.
• Keep unauthorized personnel away.
• Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
• Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.

• Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
• Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer when there is NO RISK OF FIRE.
• Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides thermal protection but only limited chemical protection..

• Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.

• For highlighted materials: see Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances.
• For non-highlighted materials: increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.

• If tank, rail tank car or highway tank 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.

• Dry chemical, CO₂ or water spray.

• Dry chemical, CO₂, alcohol-resistant foam or water spray.
• If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire.
• Dike runoff from fire control for later disposal.

• Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles.
• Do not get water inside containers.
• Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out.
• Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank.
• ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames.

• ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area.
• Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing.
• Stop leak if you can do it without risk.
• Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas.
• Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers.
• DO NOT GET WATER INSIDE CONTAINERS.

• For corrosives, in case of contact, immediately flush skin or eyes with running water for at least 30 minutes. Additional flushing may be required.

ERG 2024