OSHA/EPA Occupational Chemical Database

160 Halogenated Solvents
POTENTIAL HAZARDS
HEALTH
*       Vapors may cause dizziness or suffocation.
*       Exposure in an enclosed area may be very harmful.
*       Contact may irritate or burn skin and eyes.
*       Fire may produce irritating and/or toxic gases.
*       Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause pollution.
FIRE OR EXPLOSION
*       Some of these materials may burn, but none ignite readily.
*       Most vapors are heavier than air.
*       Air/vapor mixtures may explode when ignited.
*       Container may explode in heat of fire.
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 25 to 50 meters
        (80 to 160 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).
*       Structural firefighters' protective clothing will only provide limited
        protection.
EVACUATION
Large Spill
*       Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 100 meters
        (330 feet).
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
Small Fires
*       Dry chemical, CO2 or water spray.
Large Fires
*       Dry chemical, CO2, alcohol-resistant foam or water spray.
*       Move containers from fire area if you can do it without risk.
*       Dike fire control water for later disposal; do not scatter the
        material.
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.
*       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
*       ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames
        in immediate area).
*       Stop leak if you can do it without risk.
Small Liquid Spills
*       Take up with sand, earth or other noncombustible absorbent material.
Large Spills
*       Dike far ahead of liquid spill for later disposal.
*       Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas.
FIRST AID
*       Move victim to fresh air.
*       Call 911 or emergency medical service.
*       Apply 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 substance, immediately flush skin or eyes with
        running water for at least 20 minutes.
*       For minor skin contact, avoid spreading material on unaffected skin.
*       Wash skin with soap and water.
*       Keep victim warm and quiet.
*       Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved,
        and take precautions to protect themselves.