Theme Module - 2 Safety in Transportation of HazardousSubstances by Roadindustrial Disaster Risk Management

Contents1. Introduction - 22. Hazard information systems - 2

2.1 U.N. classification for hazard and substance identification - 23. Hazchem - 94. Responsibilities of consignor - 135. Responsibilities of the transporter or owner of goods carriage - 136. Responsibilities of the driver - 14

6.1 Driver to be instructed - 146.2 Driver to Report to the police station about accident: - 14

7. Emergency Information Panel (EPI) - 158. Emergency Information Panel (EIP) of few of the hazardous

chemicals - 20

9. Class label of popular chemicals transported by road - 2310. Exercise - 2411. Correct extinguishing techniques for different types of fires- 2612. Initial isolation and protective action distances - 2713. Conclusion - 3214. Glossary - 33

1. Introduction

The rapid increase in the transportation of hazardous chemicals has enhanced the accident potential during transit. In transit, the goods would subject to impact,vibration, compression and other adverse effects and exposure to harmful environment. The other factors such as improper packing of the contents, poor storage may also lead to release of chemicals to the environment resulting in emergencies like fire, explosion, toxic release, etc. Apart from pollution of land, water and air, such emergencies have potential to cause injuries and death, property damage and environmental degradation. Availability of information on the hazards and control measures at the time ofemergency is vital for minimising the effect of such accidents. This module is intended to provide the first hand knowledge about the hazard information system asimplemented in India and its status of implementation.

2. Hazard information systems

The movement of hazardous substances by any mode of transport, presents in general, a greater risk of accidental release. It is due to absence of the availability of appropriate information on transport accidents. The need for essential information to be clearlydisplayed in transport emergency has always been accepted by both industry and the emergency services. The basis of many emergency information systems adopted in various parts of the world has been a combination of hazard classification and United Nations substance identification.

2.1. U.N. classification for hazard and substance identification

The classification of chemical hazards as recommended by the UN Committee of Experts on the Transport of DangerousGoods has been widely adopted for This module is useful for

15. References - 34 transport of hazardous chemicals for all modes of transport. Hazard types are segregated into nine basic classesrepresented numerically.Many of these classes are further separated in to divisions and subdivisions according to appropriate criteria. The international classification system is given in Table -1.

In India to manage accidents in transportation of hazardous

following target groups:

Traffic police Industries

TransportersEmer

gency managers Fire fightersDrivers, etc.

chemicals “Central Motor Vehicles Rules 1989” have been framed.

1 2

Table-1 (INFECTIOUS)UN international classification system MATERIALS

CLASS 1 Division 1.1EXPLOSIVES Division 1.2

Division 1.3 Division 1.4 Division 1.5 Division 1.6

CLASS 2 Division 2.1GASES Division 2.2

Division 2.3

CLASS 3 Division 3.1FLAMMABLE Division 3.2LIQUIDS

Division 3.3

CLASS 4 Division 4.1FLAMMABLE Division 4.2SOLIDS, Division 4.3SPONTANEOUSLY COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS,AND MATERIALSTHAT ARE DANGEROUS WHEN WETCLASS 5 Division 5.1OXIDIZERS Division 5.2ANDORGANIC PEROXIDES

CLASS 6 Division 6.1POISONOUS Division 6.2AND Division 6.3ETIOLOGIC

Explosives with a mass explosion hazard Explosives with a projection hazardExplosives with predominantly fire hazard Explosives with no significant blast hazard Very insensitive explosivesExtremely insensitive explosive articles

Non Flammable Gases Flammable GasesPoison Gases

Flashpoint below - 18°C (0°F) Flashpoint - 18°C and above but less than 23°C (73°F)Flashpoint of 23°C and uptoup to 61°C (141°F)

Flammable SolidsSpontaneously combustible materials Materials that are dangerous when wet

OxidisersOrganic Peroxides

Poisonous Materials Harmful SubstancesEtiologic (Infectious) Materials

3

CLASS 7RADIOACTIVE

MATERIALS

CLASS 8CORROSIVES

CLASS 9MISCELLANEOUSHAZARDOUS MATERIALS

The pictogram, hazard-warning diamonds may also bear an approved inscription quoting the hazard and /or the United Nations hazard class number. The basic principle however, is that the shape, colour and pictogram convey a clear message of danger, thus overcoming language difficulties. With international acceptance, the value of such labelling system when displayed on vehicles and packages is clear because:

1. It provides a warning to the general public to keep away.2. In an accidental situation the emergency services are provided with an

indication of the primary hazard likely to be encountered.

The class label for various type of hazardousof hazardous chemicals, as per the rule 137, provides information in detail according to Table 2

Table-2UN Class No. Classification of goods Class Label

1 2 31. Explosives

E

X

P

L

O

S

I

V

E

S

1

Symbol (Exploding Bomb) : Black

Background

: Orange

4

2 Gases, compressed, liquified, dissolved under pressure ordeeply refrigerated.

2.1 Non-flammable gases

NON-FLAMMABLE COMPRESSED

GAS 2

Symbol (Gas cylinder) : Black or White Background : Green

2.2 Flammable gases

FLAMMABLE GAS

2

Symbol (Flame) : Black or White Background : Red

1 2 33 Flammable liquids

FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS

3

Symbol (Flame) : Black or White Background : Red

4 Inflammable solids, substances liable to spontaneous combustion;substances which, on contact with water, emits flammable gases.

4.1 Flammable solids

FLAMMABLE SOLIDS

4

Symbol (Flame) : BlackBackground : White with vertical

red stripes

2.3 Poison (Toxic Gases)

POISON GAS

2

Symbol (Skull and cross bones) : Black Background : White

5

4.2 Substances liable tospontaneous combustion

SPONTANEOUSLY COMBUSTIBLE

4

Symbol (Flame) : BlackBackground : Upper half White

and lower half Red

6

1 2 3 1 2 36.1 Poisonous (toxic) substances

4.3 Substances which, on contact withwater, emit flammable gases

POISON

DANGEROUS 6WHEN WET

4

Symbol (Skull and crossbones) : BlackSymbol (Flame) : Black or White Background : WhiteBackground: Blue

6.2 Harmful substances

5 Oxidising substances and organic peroxides

5.1 Oxidising substances

5.2 Organic peroxides

OXIDISING AGENT

5

Symbol (Flame over circle) : Black Background : Yellow

OXIDISING PEROXIDE

5

Symbol (Flame over circle) : Black Background : Yellow

HARMFULSTOP AWAY FROMFOODSTUFFS

6

The bottom half of the label should bear the inscription:HARMFUL stow away from food-stuffs. Symbol ( St. Andrew’s cross over anear of wheat) : BlackBackground : White

6.3 Infectious substances

INFECTIOUS SUBSTANCES

6

The bottom half of the label should bear: INFECTIOUS SUBSTANCES (optional) and the inscription “In the case of damage or leakage immediately notify Public Health Authority” (optional)Symbol (three crescents superimposed on a circle)and inscription : BlackBackground : White

7 8

1 2

7 Redioactive substances

3

RADIOACTIVEDO NOT REMAIN IN OR

NEAR THIS VEHICLEUNNECESSARILY

7

Symbol ( 3 segments of a circle) a number and lettering of the class label) shall be black on a white background and theparallel lines bordering the Class label shall be black and shall be 5 mm thick.

The HAZCHEM code consists of a number from 1 to 4 and any one of the letters, P, R, S , T, W, X, Y, Z followed at times by the letter E.

The numbers signify the extinguishing medium to be employed as given in Table-3.Table-3

1 JETS2 FOG3 FOAM4 DRY AGENT

The letters signify 4 aspects viz.

8. Corrosives

CORROSIVE

8

Symbol ( liquids spilling from two glass vesselstwo test tubes and attacking a hand and meta: Black Background : Upper half White and lower half Black with white border.

3. HAZCHEM

I) Method of controlling spillagea) by diluting orb) by containing

ii) Personal protective equipment to be worn by fire fighters iii) Reactive nature of Chemical, andiv) Need for evacuation.

The fire services personnel should carry the HAZCHEM code, scale and Notes for Guidance as given in Table-4.

Table-4HAZCHEM CODE

1. JETS Notes for Guidance

2. FOG FOG : In the absence of fog equipment

3. FOAM a fire spray may be used.

4. DRY AGENT DRY AGENT : Water must not be

Till sometime back firemen had no way of knowing what medium of extinguishment on unknown chemicals in a fire, spillage or any emergency should be used. Incorrectactions resulted in disasters.

Availability of information on the hazardous nature of substance and required control measure helps the emergency management personnel to take quick and correctdecisions.

The HAZCHEM code (also called Emergency Action Code) gives vital information to fire brigade and other emergency services on the action to be taken to combat spillage, leakage or fire in an emergency involving a hazardous substance.

9

P VR FULL

S V BADILUTE

S BA for FIRE onlyT BAT BA for FIRE only

W VX FULL

Y V BACONTAIN

Y BA for FIRE only Z BAZ BA for FIRE only

E CONSIDER EVACUATION

10

allowed to come into contact with the substances at risk.

V : Can be violently or even explosively reactive

FULL : Full body protective clothing with BA.

BA : Breathing apparatus plus protective gloves.

DILUTE : May be washed to drain with large quantities of water

CONTAIN : Prevent by any means available, the spillage from entering drains or water course.

HAZCHEM Code of some important and popular chemicals transported on Indian roads are given in Table-5.

Table-5

SUBSTANCE HAZCHEM CODE

1) PETROL 3 Y E

2) METHYL ALCOHOL 2 P E

3) L.P.G. 2 W E

E- Consider evacuation as first priority.

For motor spirit with UN number 1203, the HAZCHEM code is 3YE, and this would mean

3- Use Foam only.Y- Can be violently (V) reactive) reactive or explosive. Breathing apparatus plusprotective gloves to be used in case of fire. The personal protective equipment is not a

Photo-1

requirement in case of spillage. Any spillage of the substance should be contained.4) AMMONIA LIQUIFIED 2 P E E- Consider evacuation as a first priority. An example is shown in Photo-1 for petrol.

5) SULPHUR 2Z

6) KEROSENE 3Y Bad Practices

It is important to note here that the objective of the HAZCHEM code is not to identify the chemical carried in the vehicle. The purpose of HAZCHEM code is only to provide guidance on the basic approach to deal with an emergency.

In interpreting the HAZCHEM code, the following points will be useful :useful:

(i) If necessary, a fire fighting medium represented by a higher number thannumber than that

shown may be used, but not represented by a lower number.(ii) Where the letter appears as white on black, police and other non-fire service

personnel need to wear breathing apparatus only for a fire and not for a spillage,

but firemen are required to wear it in both cases.(iii) Letter E indicates that the officer in charge should consider civil evacuation of the

area.

The Indian Chemical Manufactures Association (ICMA), in their publication “Code For Safe Transportation Of Hazardous Substances By Road” recommends that at least the area within a radius of 300m should be considered for evacuation wherever 'E' appears in HAZCHEM code.

For example for ethylene oxide with UN number 1040 and HAZCHEM code is 2PE and would be decoded as:

2- Fog equipment is recommended (through extinguishing agents corresponding to higher number may also be used). P- Can be violently (V)

reactive .Full body clothing

wit

h breathing apparatus is necessary. The su

bstance may be diluted and washed to drain

11 Photo-2

Photo-3

Photo-4

12

With reference to UN class label, instead of correct fire symbol in red, a flower or some vague picture is painted (Photo-2).Drivers keep many TREM cards belonging to chemicals transported earlier, in the vehicle cabin. This specially leads to confusion when the driver/cleaner runs away after an accident and emergency action is to be taken.The size of EIP, inside boxes and letters / numbers does not match the specifications given in CMVR, 1989 (Photo-3).The EIP which gets obliterated in course of time is not repainted and remains unclear or invisible(Photo-4).Some tankers do not carry any hazardous chemical, but display EIP of a hazardouschemical which the tanker transported earlier.

4. Responsibilities of consignor 5. The owner of the goods carriage should ensure that the driver holds a drivinglicence as per provisions of the Central Motor Vehicle Rules.

The consignor has to ensure the following points :points: Annexure VTransport Emergency (TREM) Card (ROAD)

The goods carriage has a valid registration to carry the hazardous goods.

The vehicle is equipped with necessary First-aid, Safety equipments and Antidotes as may be necessary.

The transporter or owner of the goods carriage has full and adequate information about the dangerous or hazardous goods being transported.

The driver of the goods carriage is to be trained in handling the dangers posed during transport of such goods.Every consignor shall supply to the owner of the goods carriage full and adequate information about the dangerous or hazardous goods, being transported as to

Cargo

Nature of hazard Protective devices Emergency action

Spillage FireFirst-aid-

6. Responsibilities of the driver

Mention chemical identity of the dangerous and hazardous goods

Notify police and fire brigade immediately

Additional information provided by the manufacturer or sender

enable such owner and its driver to:(a) comply with the requirements of rules 129 to 137(b) to make aware of the risks created by such goods to health or safety

of any person.

5. Responsibilities of the transporter or owner of goods

carriage

1. It shall be the responsibility of the owner or transporter to ensure the following:-

The goods carriage has valid registration and permit and is safe for the transportation of the said goods.The vehicle is equipped with necessary First-Aid, Safety equipment, tool box and antidotes as may be the necessity to contain any accident.

2. The owner or transporter should satisfy himself that the information given by the

consignor is full and accurate in all respects as specified in rule 137.

3. The owner or transporter should ensure that the driver being deputed for

transportation is trained to handle and transport such hazardous materials and

has information as annexure V of rule 132.

4. The owner of the goods carriage carrying dangerous

or hazardous goods and the consignor of such goods shall

lay down the route for each trip or permitted

otherwise by police authorities.

13

It is the responsibility of the driver to keep all information provided to him in writing i.e., in the form TREM CARD (Transport Emergency Card). This is to be kept in thedrivers cabin and should be available at all times while hazardous material is being transported (Rule 133). Driver will also ensure that parked vehicle is safe from fire, explosion or any other risk.

As per Rule the driver should have the ability to read and write at least one Indian language specified in the Constitution and English language.

The driver should have successfully passed a course connected with the transport of hazardous goods.

6.1. Driver to be instructed

The owner of every goods carriage transporting dangerous or hazardous goods shall ensure the satisfaction of the consignor that the driver of the goods carriage has

received adequate instructions and training to enable him to understand the nature of the goods being transported, by him, the nature of the risks raising out of suchgoods, precautions he should take while the goods carriage is in motion or stationary and the action he has to take in case of any emergency. (Rule 135)

6.2. Driver to report to the police station about accident:

The driver of a goods carriage transporting any dangerous or hazardous goods shall, on the occurrence of an accident involving any dangerous or hazardous goods transported

14

by his carriage, report forthwith to the nearest police station and also inform the owner note the lack of concern shown by both the consignors / transporters as well as theof the goods carriage or the transporter regarding the accident. (Rule 136) various regulatory agencies involved. It has been observed that carriers are not

displaying the details of hazards chemical in EIP.

7. Emergency Information Panel (EIP)

In India, it is mandatory for the vehicles transporting hazardoustransporting hazardous chemicals tochemicals to display Emergency Information Panel (EIP) with details and at places as specified under Rule 134 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 as shown in Fig-1. 1. Every goods carriage used for transporting any dangerous or hazardous goods shall

be legibly and conspicuously marked with an emergency information panel in each

of the three places as specified, so that the emergency information panel faces to

each side of the carriage and to its rear and such panel shall contain the following

information viz.

The correct technical name of the dangerous or hazardous goods in letters not less than 50 mm high. The United Nations class number for the dangerous goods in letters not less than 100 mm high (Rule 137). The class label of the dangerous or hazardous goods in the size of not less than 250 mm square. The name and telephone number of the emergency services to be contacted in the event of fire or any other accident in letters and numerals that are not less than 50 mm high and the name and telephone number of the consignor of the dangerous or hazardous goods or of some other person from whom expert information and advice can be obtained concerning the measures that should be taken in the event of emergency.

2. Every class label and emergency information panel ( EIP(EIP) shall be marked on the

goods carriage and shall be kept free and clean from obstruction at all times.

3. The emergency information panel ( EIP(EIP) should have dimensions as shown

in fig-2.

One practical problem encountered with the use of EIP is the selection of the substance identification number and the HAZCHEM code to be incorporated in the EIP when a tanker transports different chemicals in different compartments. The solution in such case is to incorporate the word “Multi-load” in the sections of EIP earmarkedEIP earmarked for “UN Number” and “HAZCHEM” and to label each compartment separately with the UN number and HAZCHEM code corresponding to the chemical in the compartment.

EM

ER

GE

NC

Y IN

FOR

MA

TIO

N P

AN

ELS

BACK

SIDE

FR

ON

T

EM

ER

GE

NC

Y IN

FOR

MA

TIO

N P

AN

ELS

BACK

SIDE

FR

ON

T

TRU

CK

CLA

SS

LA

BE

L

TAN

KE

R

Fig-1

As to the level of compliance to this statutory requirement, it is quite disheartening to

15 16

Following deficiencies in respect of the Emergency Information Panels on hazardous goods carriers was were further observed: 1. Display of EIP not in accordance with the provisions laid down in the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 (CMVR).

The EIP as per CMVR should be displayed at three locations on a carrier viz; extreme back and both sides of the vehicle with class label in front of the vehicle (Fig 1). It has been observed that in place of information as per EIP and information of hazardous chemicals other information is provided (Photo-5,6). Photo-5 has no EIP and photo-6 has no information as per colour code. Both photos are of same one vehicle.

2. The information given in the EIP does not match with the chemical being

transported. This may be due to: Carelessness in adhering, to CMVR requirements by the Consignor. Driver of the vehicle not affixing on the EIP, the stickers for class label, Photo-5UN number HAZCHEM, etc. supplied by the consignor at the time of loading a chemical.

3. Carriers designed for other purpose are being used for transporting of

hazardous goods. Photo-7 shows the transportation of LPG cylinders in ordinary truck without EIP.

Cor

rect

Tec

hnic

al N

ame

(a)

In E

mer

genc

y D

ial

30

(d)

Spe

cial

ist A

dvic

e

(f)

UN

No.

(b)

HA

ZCH

EM

15

©

15

(Sub

sidi

ary

Ris

k La

bel)

(Cla

ss L

abel

s)

(C)

800

600

380

390

15

=

= =

= = = =10

1010

135

120

120

180

510 10 10

( All

di

men

sion

s

are

ex

pres

sed

in

m

illim

eter

s)Fig

-2

Photo-6

4. Some times EIP on paper has printed and pasted on the vehicle. During transportation these papers during transportation during rainy seasoncan be washed away washed out.

Photo-7

17 18

Emergency procedures in the event of a Tanker/Truck accident

1. If possible drive out of populated areas. 2. Identify the

cargo,refer labels, TREM Card, instructions.

3. In case of a majorleak of highly inflammable gas/ vapour, do not start the engine.

4. Order on lookersto leave the affected area.

5. Stop pilferage of

the leakedsubstance, it can be dangerous.

6. Secure theaccident area and divert traffic.7. Remove affected persons for first aid.8. In the event of electrical fire, isolate the battery of the vehicle.9. In case of fire, inform Fire Station, avoid inhalation of fumes, use gas masks if

required.10. In case of leaks, see if it can be arrested easily.11. Contain small spills by covering with sand.12. Avoid direct

contact with skin, wash with water and use necessary protectiveclothing like PVC apron.

13. In case of contact

with eyes or

skin

wash with plenty

of water. For any

majorcontamination,

remove

clothing immediately.

19

8. Emergency information panel (EIP) of few of the

hazardous chemicals transported by road are given in

fig-3 to 8 FIG-3

EMERGENCY INFORMATION PANEL

FOR METHYL ALCOHOL

CORRECT TECHNICAL NAME (METHYL ALCOHOL)

UN NO. 1230

HAZCHEM 2 PE

IN EMERGENCY DIAL SPECIALIST ADVICE:

FATAL IF SWALLOWED. CAUSES EYE IRRITATION. EXPLOSION HAZARD. DRENCH SPILLAGE WITH WATER.

FIG-4EMERGENCY INFORMATION PANEL

FOR AMMONIA (LIQUIFIED)

CORRECT TECHNICAL NAME AMMONIA LIQUIFIED

UN NO. 1005

HAZCHEM 2 PE

IN EMERGENCY DIAL SPECIALIST ADVICE:INHALATION CAUSES RESPIRATORY

DAMAGE. CONTACT AFFECTS EYES AND SKIN. CONTAIN LEAK WITH SAND OR EARTH

20

FIG-5EMERGENCY INFORMATION PANEL

FOR PETROL

CORRECT TECHNICAL NAME PETROL

UN NO. 1203

HAZCHEM 3 Y E

IN EMERGENCY DIAL SPECIALIST ADVICE:VAPOUR IS INVISIBLE AND HEAVIER THAN AIR SPREAD ALONG GROUND. KEEP FLAMMABLES AWAY.CONTAIN LEAK WITH SAND OR EARTH.

FIG-6EMERGENCY INFORMATION PANEL

FOR KEROSENE

CORRECT TECHNICAL NAME KEROSENE

FIG-7EMERGENCY INFORMATION PANEL

FOR SULPHUR

CORRECT TECHNICAL NAME SULPHER

UN NO. 1350

HAZCHEM 3 Z

IN EMERGENCY DIAL SPECIALIST ADVICE:

COMBUSTION CAUSES TOXIC FUMES. SWEEP UP SPILLED SUBSTANCE.

FIG-8EMERGENCY INFORMATION PANEL

FOR CHLORINE

CORRECT TECHNICAL NAME CHLORINE

NON-FLAMMABLECOMPRESSED

UN NO. 1223

HAZCHEM 3 Y

IN EMERGENCY DIAL SPECIALIST ADVICE:VAPOUR IS INVISIBLE AND HEAVIER THAN AIR. SPREADS ALONG GROUND. KEEP FLAMMABLES AWAY. CONTAIN LEAK WITH SAND OR EARTH.

21

UN NO. 1017

HAZCHEM 2 XE

IN EMERGENCY DIAL

22

GAS2

TOXIC GAS 2

SPECIALIST ADVICE:VAPOUR HEAVIER THAN AIR, STAY UPWIND, EVACUATE AREA, USE SELF-CONTAINEDBREATHING APPARATUS, CONTAIN SPILLAGE, DISPERSE GAS WITH WATER SPRAY BUT DON’T SPRAY WATER ON LEAKY POINT USESTREPSILS/VICKS/GUR FOR RELIEF AGAINST IRRITATION

9. Class label of popular chemicals transported

by road

NAPHTHA

CARBON Dl SULPHIDE

FLAMMABLE FLAMMABLELIQUIDS LIQUIDS

3

POISON

PHENOLBENZENE (C6H6)

FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS

POISON

2POISON

METHANOL (CH3OH) TOLUENE

FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS

3

POISON FLAMMABLELIQUIDS

23

23

10. Exercise

Identify the deviations in EIP, class label, HAZCHEM, etc in the following pictures to test yourself:

EIPClass label HAZCHEM Other

EIPClass label HAZCHEM Other

EIPClass label HAZCHEM Other

24

EIPClass label HAZCHEM Other

EIPClass label HAZCHEM Other

EIPClass label HAZCHEM Other

25

11. Correct extinguishing techniques for different types offires

WATER BASEDDirect stream at base of fire.

WATER BASED

DRY POWDERStart at base of flame and move up where burning.

DRY POWDER

C02 AND HALONDischarge as close to fire as possible from edge of flame forwards and upwards.

CO2 AND HALON

FOAMDo not play stream onto the burning liquid. Allow foam to fall lightly on fire.

FOAM

26

12. Initial isolation and protective action distances concerns. Actions to protect public must be selected carefully. This module can helpwith an initial decision on how to protect the threatened public. Officials must continueto gather information and monitor the situation.

The Table-6 suggestessuggests distances for isolating unprotected people from spill areasinvolving hazardous chemicals shown are for listed chemicals when they are not on Evacuation is by itself, a process with significant risk for the persons being evacuated.fire. Therefore, protecting in place should always be a first consideration if the buildings can

be sealed tightly from any fresh air entering. In the case of short term spills and coldOnly a few chemicals of the Motor vehicle Rules, 1989 and whose vapours have the toxic vapour clouds the hazardous chemicals may be deflected or reflected by thepotential to produce toxic effects have been selected. The Table-6 is useful for no more multi-storey buildings and passpasses by without affecting the occupants of the buildings.than 80 minutes of an incident involving these hazardous chemicals. It is suggested People in the upper floors of a tall rise building within the downwind protective actionthat the use of this table be limited specifically to the initial phase of a NO FIRE spill distance may often be safer by remaining where they are. Air handling equipments ifincident during transport. any, like air conditioners, etc. should be shut down to keep out hazardous chemical

vapours.The smallest ISOLATION DISTANCE indicated in the table is 45.7 meters and the smallestPROTECTIVE ACTION DISTANCE is 320 meters. This means that 45.7 meters areis the It is vital that communication is constantly maintained with competent persons insideminimum distance for isolating the unprotected public for any hazardous chemical spill such buildings so that they could be advicedadvised of the changing conditions. Those personsthat is listed in the table. Distances for both small spills and large spills are shown in protected in place should be warned to stay far from a window in direct line of thethe table and the largest distance for protective action is 8 kms. The approximate scene of the incident.distance and air borne release would travel in 30 minutes with a wind speed of 2.68m/s. Some releases could require protective actions beyond 8 kms after the first 30 BACKGROUND INFORMATIONminutes following the initial release. Based on a Gaussian dispersion model, isolation and protective distances have been

predicted. A small spill refers to an accident with a container size equal to or smallerThis module assists the first responders in identifying hazardous chemicals and than a 248 kg drum (55 gallons). Large spill refers to a one ton cylinder a tank truck orprovides advice for initial emergency action. It is not an excuse for a responder to try to rail car. Predictions are for neutral weather stability (class D), overcast night with windcontrol an accident alone. Instead, the first responder will take action to and move an speed of 2.68 m/s and a temperature of 35°C. LC 50 values were used to estimate shortunprotected person out of the danger area. See also Theme-10 “Guide to the District Collector” and Theme-15 “Industrial Disaster response”. term exposure limits wherever TLVs STELs or TLV—TWAs were not available.

If a hazardous chemical cloud goes between several multi storey building or down a HOW TO USE THE TABLE:valley the cloud may affect people much further away from the distances specified and 1. Responders should have:protective action distances should be increased accordingly. Fire involvement in an -Identified the material by its ID number and name;additional leaking tank also indicates the need to increase the isolation and protective -Noted the wind direction.action distances.

2. Now responders should look in this table for the ID number and name of theFor hazardous chemicals listed in the table, if a fire begins and burns the spill chemical, chemical in this incident. Some ID numbers have more than one shipping name listed.the toxic effects may become less important compared to the fire, explosion or BLEVE Look for the specific name of the chemical.hazards. For flammable chemicals the potential fragmentation hazards i.e. formation ofthermal degradation product usually requires a greater isolation area in all directions If responders find a matching entry in the table, use the following steps (3 to 6) todespite any shorter distances suggested in the table. determine the area requiring immediate protective actions.

Regardless of the number of meters that have been indicated if unprotected people are 3. Determine if the incident involves a SMALL or LARGE spill. Generally a SMALL SPILL isbeing affected the isolation and protective action distances should be increased. one which involves a single, small package (i.e. up to a 200-248 kg or one drum), small

cylinder, or a small leak from a large package. A LARGE SPILL is one which involves a bigEvery hazardous chemical incident is different. Each can have special problems and spill from an opening in a large package or multiple spills from many small packages.

27 28

4. Look up the initial ISOLATION distance. Direct all persons to move, in the crosswind direction, away from the spill to the distance specified.

Initial isolation5. Next, look up the initial PROTECTIVE ZoneACTION DISTANCE shown in the table. For

Table-6INITIAL ISOLATION AND PROTECTIVE ACTION DISTANCES (In Meters)

S.NO. ID NO. Name of Chemical Small Spil Large Spil(250 Kg) (1000 Kg)l

Initial isolationa given hazardous chemical and spill size,the table gives the distance in meters Distancedownwind in which protective actions should be considered. For practicalpurposes, the Protective Action Zone Spill(i.e. the area in which people are at Fig-9risk of harmful exposure) is a square,whose length and width are the same as the downwind distance shown in the table.

Wind Direction

Protective Action 1/2 Downwind

1. 1092 ACROLEIN2. 1098 ALLYL ALCOHOL3. 2334 ALLYL AMINE4. 1005 AMMONIA5. 2676 ANTIMONY HYDRIDE6. 2188 ARSENIC HYDRIDE

(STIBINE)7. 1744 BROMINE8. 1016 CARBON MONOXIDE9. 1017 CHLORINE10. 1239 CHLORO METHYL

ETHER11. 1754

CHLOROSULPHONIC ACID

*S* *S*274.2 4800 2856 640045.7 1280 45.7 128045.7 1280 1624 320045.7 320 91 1600457 8000 457 8000457 8000 457 8000

457 8000 457 8000457 8000 457 8000274.2 4800 3200 800045.7 320 45.7 640

45.7 320 45.7 320

Zone

Initial Downwind Distance IsolationZone

SpillFig-10

Distance

1/2 Downwind

Distance

12. 1143 CROTONALDEHYDE13. 1595

DIMETHYLSULPHATE14. 1135 ETHYLENE CHLOROHY

DRIDE15. 1605 ETHYLENE DIBROMIDE16. 1040 ETHYLENE OXIDE17. 1045 FLUORINE18. 1050 HYDROGEN CHLORIDE19. 1051 HYDROGEN CYANIDE20. 1052 HYDROGEN FLUORIDE

45.7 320 45.7 64045.7 640 45.7 64045.7 1280 45.7 1280

45.7 320 45.7 32045.7 1280 1025 3200457 8000 457 80001828 3200 3656 64001828 3200 1828

3200 91 1600 273

4800

6. Initiate Protective Actions to the extent possible, beginning with those closest to the spill site and working away from the site in the down wind direction.

The shape of the area in which protective actions should be taken (the Protective Action Zone) is shown in this figure. The spill is located at the centercentre of the small circle. The circle represents the ISOLATION zone around the spill. (Fig-9 and 10)

If the material is on fire or explosion, there may be toxic combustion products.

CALL THE NEAREST EMERGENCY OPERATION CENTRE (EOC) FOR HELP.

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21. 2202 HYDROGEN SELENIDE22. 1053 HYDROGEN SULPHIDE23. 1061 METHYL AMINE24. 1062 METHYL BROMIDE25. 2480 METHYL ISOCYANATE26. 1259 NICKEL TETRACARBONYL27. 1067 NITROGEN DIOXIDE28. 1831 OLEUM29. 2190 OXYGEN DIFLUORIDE30. 1380 PENTA BORANE31. 1670 PERCHLOROMETHYL

MERCAPTAN32. 1076 PHOSGENE

ISO-DIS* PRO-A.DI ISO-DIS* PRO-A-DI

30

457 8000 457 8000457 8000 457 800045.7 1280 273 4800182 3200 273 4800457 8000 457 8000457 8000 457 800045.7 1280 182 320045.7 640 45.7 640457 8000 457 8000457 8000 457 800045.7 1280 45.7 1280 457 8000 457 8000

ISO-DIS* PRO-A.DI ISO-DIS* PRO-A-DI

S.NO. ID NO. Name of Chemical

33. 2199 PHOSPHINE34. 2194 SELENIUM HEXAFLUORIDE35. 1079 SULPHUR DIOXIDE36. 1829 SULPHUR TRIOXIDE37. 1831 SULPHURIC ACID38. 1510 TETRA NITRO METHANE39. 1836 THIONYL CHLORIDE

* Isolation distance. ** Protective - Action distance.

Small Spil Large Spil(250 Kg) (1000 Kg)l

*S* *S*457 8000 457 8000457 8000 457 8000182 3200 457 800045.7 640 45.7 64045.7 640 45.7 64045.7 640 45.7 1280274 4800 365 6400

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13. Conclusion

This module is based on the deviations observed in compliance of CMVR 1989 during transporting the hazardous chemicals on roads.

This module provides the information on various provisions of CMVR 1989. At the end of this module, trainees will be able to understand the various provisions of CMVR 1989.

EIPHAZCHEM codesAction to be taken during emergency

The module is useful for following target groups:

Traffic police IndustriesTransportersEmergency managers Fire fightersDrivers, etc.

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14. GlossaryAccident/Incidents: Any unplanned, sudden event which causes or is liable to cause injury to people or damage to building,

plant, material or the environment.Consequence: Result of a specific event.Emergency plan: A formal, written plan – designed on the basis of identified potential accidents and their consequences –

that describes how such accidents and their consequences should be handled (either on-site or off-site). A formal, written plan – designed on the basis of identified potential accidents and their consequences – that describes how

such accidents and their consequences should be handled (either on-site or off-site). Evacuation: Evacuate means to move all people from a threatened area to a safer place. To perform an evacuation,

there must be enough time for people to be warned, to get ready, and to leave an area. Generally, if there is enough time for evacuation, it is likely to be the best protective action.

Hazard: An inherent property of a substance, agent, source of energy or situation having the potential of causing undesirable consequences.

Hazardous substances: An element, compound, mixture or preparation which, by virtue of chemical, physical or (eco) toxicological properties constitutes a hazard.

In-place protection: In-place protection means to direct people to quickly go inside a building and remain inside until the danger passes. When protecting people inside, direct them to close all doors and windows and to shut off all ventilating, heating and cooling systems. In-place protection is used when evacuating the public would cause greater risk than directing them to stay where they are, or when an evacuation cannot be performed. When insideAll, the people inside must keep all windows and doors closed. In-place protection may not be the best option if the vapours are explosive, if it will take a long time for the gas to clear the area, or if the buildings cannot be tightly closed.

Isolation: Isolate Hazard Area and Deny Entry means to keep everybody away from the area if they are not directly involved in emergency response operations. Unprotected emergency responders should not be allowed within the isolation area. This ‘Isolation” task is done first, to get control of a place to work. This is tThe first step for any further protective action that followis to. get control of a place to work (‘isolation” task).

Major accidents: Any unplanned, sudden event which causes or is liable to cause serious injury to people or damage to buildings, plant, material or the environment.

Probability: The likelihood that a considered occurrence will take place.Risk: The combination of a consequence and the probability of its occurrence.Transport : This means movement of hazardous substances from one place to another by air, rail, road or water.Transporter: A person or an organisation engaged in the offsite transportation of a hazardous substances by air, rail,

road or water.

15. References“A guide to safe road transport of hazardous chemicals “, Ministry of Environment & Forests, New Delhi, 1995.The central motor vehicle rules, 1989 as amendedas amended till 2009.