Fire hazard classification data

Wood—fire hazard classification, card data service." Serial No. UL527. Underwriters Laboratories, Inc., Northbrook, 111. 1971. 

There are a large number of different methods used for bench-scale assessment of combustion toxicity, and the applicability of test data to lire hazard assessment is not always clear. Obviously, toxic potency data should not be used in isolation but should either be a part of a classification scheme or as part of the input to lire risk and lire safety engineering assessments. It is important that uncertainty or confidence limits should be used with toxic potency data, because they are often relatively large. Fire effluent toxic potency does not have a unique value but is a function of the material and the fire conditions, particularly temperature and oxygen availability in the fire zone, and also the fire environment (enclosure, geometry, and ventilation). To assess the fire hazard, toxic potency data must be relevant to the end use fire situation, and the fire condition, which can be defined using the ISO classification of fire stages. 

The results of the effects testing will be used to place the material in a hazard category based on NATO-UN classification scheme and when combined with the sensitivij y data will give the material an overall hazard classification. For example, a material which is foiind to be an intense fire hazard (consequence 1.3) and sensitive (Category B) to initiation by rubbing friction would be placed in class 1.3B. 

DOT CLASSIFICATION 6.1 Label Poison SAFETY PROFILE Poison by ingestion. Moderately toxic by skin contact and inhalation. An eye irritant. Questionable carcinogen. Mutation data reported. A corrosive material. Moderate fire hazard when exposed to heat, flame, or powerful oxidizers. Incompatible with oxidizing materials. To fight fire, use water to blanket fire foam, CO2, dry chemical. When heated to decomposition it emits highly toxic fumes of Cr. See also ETHERS. 

DOT CLASSIFICATION 6.1 Label Poison SAFETY PROFILE Poison by intraperitoneal route. Human mutation data reported. A dangerous fire hazard when exposed to heat or flame. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of Br". See also BROMIDES. 

The NFPA 430 classification system, the fire hazard behavior of liquid and solid oxidizers that can increase the burning rate or cause spontaneous ignition of a combustible material. Also, the reactivity behavior of liquid and solid oxidizers includes those that can undergo a self-sustained decomposition or an explosive reaction. The definitions used to define liquid and solid oxidizer classes can be subject to interpretation. The NFPA 430 classification system is based on the Technical Committee s evaluation of available scientific and technical data, actual experience, and it s considered opinion. A listing of typical liquid and solid oxidizers by class can be found in the Appendix of NFPA 430. The oxidizers listed are assumed to be pure materials unless otherwise specified. 

Further research should be conducted toward establishing a better means to categorize the true fire hazard of all flammable and combustible liquids. The flash point, and in some cases boiling point, are measured values that are used for the current classification system. Additional properties, such as viscosity, dissolved combustible solids, and heat of combustion or heat release rate data should be included in a more comprehensive system. 

Product labels include details of the hazards associated with the substances contained in the product and any precautions recommended. They may also bear one or more of the CHIP hazard classification symbols. Product safety data sheets are another very useful source of information for hazard identification and associated advice. Manufacturers of hazardous substances are obliged to supply such sheets to users giving details of the name, chemical composition and properties of the substance. Information on the nature of the hazards and any relevant standards (WEL) should also be given. The sheets contain useful additional information on first aid and fire fighting measures and... 

Tills subsection provides a listing of selected chemicals, their common synonyms and the listed NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) Hazard Classification for each chemical. Not all chemicals are identified in this table primarily those that an NFPA Hazard Classification could be obtained for, usually from a material safety data sheet (MSDS). The NFPA s "Recommended System for the Identification of Hazards of Materials TNFPA 704) provides basic warning information to fire fighters in industrial plants and storage facilities, as well as traiisponers of hazardous materials. The system Is described in detail in Section 3 of Chapter 1, and also In... 

The Chemical Data Summary Sheet (CDSS) is a part of a larger INEEL Chemical Management System (ICMS) — a computerized tracking system for chemical products, chemicals, or hazardous agents (CPCHA). INEEL developed the CDSS as a tool to aid in hazard identification. Chemical safety experts evaluated every CPCHA at INEEL and developed a CDSS for each. Information on the CDSS includes the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) diamond a listing of all hazards and a compatibility classification, time-sensitive classification, and building code classification for the identified CPCHA. While the CDSS is not a replacement for an MSDS, it does contain site-specific safety information that cannot be found in an MSDS and that information is presented in a standardized format... 

To determine which materials may be hazardous, copies of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) should be obtained and evaluated. Information should be gathered and analyzed regarding the areas immediately adjacent to the site, including information on local topography, area classification (i.e., residential, industrial, commercial), transportation routes, and available community and emergency services such as police, fire, emergency rescue, and medical services. 

---