TIH · Toxic inhalation hazard · Isolate immediately upwind before approach

ERG 2024 · Guide 123

Gases - Toxic

UN1955 · Compressed gas, poisonous, n.o.s.

Also listed as: Compressed gas, poisonous, n.o.s. (Inhalation Hazard Zone A) · Compressed gas, poisonous, n.o.s. (Inhalation Hazard Zone B) · Compressed gas, poisonous, n.o.s. (Inhalation Hazard Zone C) · Compressed gas, poisonous, n.o.s. (Inhalation Hazard Zone D) · Compressed gas, toxic, n.o.s. · Compressed gas, toxic, n.o.s. (Inhalation Hazard Zone A) · Compressed gas, toxic, n.o.s. (Inhalation Hazard Zone B) · Compressed gas, toxic, n.o.s. (Inhalation Hazard Zone C) · Compressed gas, toxic, n.o.s. (Inhalation Hazard Zone D) · Organic phosphate compound mixed with compressed gas · Organic phosphate mixed with compressed gas · Organic phosphorus compound mixed with compressed gas

Class 2.3 Class 5.1TIH

CHEMTREC · 24/7

1-800-424-9300

Right now: Move upwind. Isolate 100 m minimum. Deny entry. Call CHEMTREC with shipping paper in hand.

More contacts →

Green Table 1 — Initial isolation & protective action distances

Full table →

Small spill · Isolate

150 m

Day

1 km

Night

3.9 km

Large spill · Isolate

1000 m

Day

6.2 km

Night

10.5 km

Potential Hazards

Health

TOXIC; may be fatal if inhaled or absorbed through skin.
Vapors may be irritating and/or corrosive.
Contact with gas or liquefied gas may cause burns, severe injury and/or frostbite.
Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause environmental contamination.

Fire or explosion

Some may burn but none ignite readily.
Vapors from liquefied gas are initially heavier than air and spread along ground.
Cylinders exposed to fire may vent and release toxic and/or corrosive gas through pressure relief devices.
Containers may explode when heated.
Ruptured cylinders may rocket.

Public Safety

General

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.
Many gases are heavier than air and will spread along the ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks, etc.).
Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.

Protective clothing

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.

Evacuation

Immediate precautionary measure
Isolate spill or leak area for at least 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions.
Spill
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.
Fire
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.

Emergency Response

Fire

Small Fire

Dry chemical or CO2.

Large Fire

Water spray, fog or regular foam.
Do not get water inside containers.
If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire.
Damaged cylinders should be handled only by specialists.

Fire Involving Tanks

Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices 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 in direct contact with flames.

Spill or leak

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.
Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas.
Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact spilled material.
Do not direct water at spill or source of leak.
Isolate area until gas has dispersed.

First Aid

Refer to the “General First Aid” section.

Specific First Aid:

In case of contact with liquefied gas, only medical personnel should attempt thawing frosted parts.

Gases - Toxic

UN1955 · Compressed gas, poisonous, n.o.s.