Distances for Fires and Spills

DOT has prepared a guidebook, from which a great deal of the information in earlier chapters has been extracted, for use by firefighters, police, and other emergency services personnel who may be the first to arrive at the scene of a hazardous materials incident. That guidebook, or in feet this publication, can be used to assist first responders in  

The initial response phase is defined as that period following arrival at the scene of an incident during which the presence and/or identification of a hazardous material is confirmed protective actions and area securement are initiated and assistance of qualified personnel is requested. 

Your name and a call back telephone number Location and nature of the incident Shipper and/or manufacturer Container type Rail car or truck number Carrier name Consignee Local conditions 

In any spill or leak of a hazardous material, it is essential that first responders immediately identify the product. In the U.S., because diere are strict transportatimi safety regulations, hazardous materials shipments are normally well documented and there is noraially sufficient information to identify the product and its dangerous properties. One can identify the material readily by finding any one of the following  

The hazard class of a material is indicated either by its class (or division) number, or its class name. For a placard corresponding to the primary hazard class of a material, the hazard class or division number must be displayed in the lower comer of the placard. The UN hazard classes are defined in Chapter 1. 

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Chapter 7 ( Isolation Distances for Fires and Spills") contains DOT recommended initial isolation distances for spills and leaks involving high hazard chemicals. The information in this chapter is based on the terms and definitions provided in section IV below. The reader should carefully review the following section in order to become acquainted with the proper use of the data provided throughout the handbook. 

Isolation Distances for Fires and Spills Table 1 Continued... 

Flammable gas the gas (vapor) is heavier than air and can travel a considerable distance to a source of ignition and flash back autoignition temperature 402°C (755°F) fireextinguishing procedure shut off the flow of gas use dry chemical, CO2, or alcohol foam to extinguish fire involving its solution use a water spray for diluting and flushing the spill and to keep fire-exposed containers cool. 

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