Substance   ETHYLENE OXIDE WITH NITROGEN
UN Number   1040
HIN (= Hazard Identification Number)   263
ADR Label   2.3+2.1
ADR Class   2
Classification Code   2TF
Packing group  
ERIC   2-12
 
Emergency Response Information
FLAMMABLE TOXIC LIQUEFIED GAS

1. Characteristics
  • Hazardous to skin, eyes and air passages.
  • Forms explosive mixture with air.
  • Toxic by inhalation or skin absorption.
  • The gas is absorbed or readily dispersed by water fog/spray.

2. Hazards
  • Gives off toxic or irritant gases or fumes when burning.
  • Heating of container(s) will cause pressure rise with risk of bursting and immediate release of expanding toxic vapour cloud (risk of BLEVE) which may ignite, leading to explosion (VCE) and creation of a pressure wave.
  • Contact with liquid will cause frostbite and severe damage to eyes.
  • The gas may be invisible and may enter sewers, basements or confined spaces.

3. Personal Protection
  • Gas tight suit.
  • Protect personnel from radiated heat with water fog curtain or other heat protective measures.
  • Insulating undergarments and thick textile or leather gloves.
  • Consider wearing standard fire fighting clothing underneath the suit.

4. Intervention Actions
  4.1 General
  • No smoking, eliminate ignition sources.
  • PUBLIC SAFETY HAZARD - Warn people nearby to stay indoors with doors and windows closed. Stop any ventilation. Consider evacuation of people in immediate danger.
  • Keep upwind. Put on protective equipment before entering danger area.
  • Minimise number of personnel in risk area.
  • Warn people to leave and not to re-enter basements, sewers or other confined spaces.

  4.2 Spillage
  • Stop leaks if possible.
  • Check explosive limits.
  • Use low sparking hand tools and intrinsically safe equipment.
  • Knock down or disperse gas cloud with water spray.
  • If substance has entered a water course or sewer, inform the responsible authority.
  • Ventilate sewers and basements where there is no risk to personnel or public.
  • In the absence of specialist advice, drench spillage with water spray to assist evaporation and absorb gas but avoid unnecessary run off which will cause pollution.

  4.3 Fire (involving the substance)
  • Keep container(s) cool with water.
  • Cut off gas supply if safe to do so.
  • Do NOT extinguish leaking gas flame unless ABSOLUTELY necessary.
  • Work from protected position to reduce risk to personnel. Use unmanned monitors or lances.
  • Extinguish with water fog (spray) or dry powder.
  • Do not use water jet to extinguish.
  • Use water spray to knock down fire fumes if possible.
  • Avoid unnecessary run-off of extinguishing media which may cause pollution.

5. First Aid
  • If substance has got into eyes, wash out with water for at least 15 minutes and seek immediate medical attention.
  • Remove contaminated clothing immediately and drench affected skin with plenty of water.
  • Persons who have been in contact with the substance or have inhaled fumes should get immediate medical attention. Pass on all available product information.
  • In case of burns, immediately cool affected skin for as long as possible with cold water. Do not remove clothing adhering to skin.
  • Mouth to mouth resuscitation should be avoided. Use alternative methods, preferably with oxygen or compressed air driven apparatus.
  • Thaw frosted parts carefully with cold water.

6. Essential Precautions For Product Recovery
  • Do not use standard recovery equipment. Seek specialist advice immediately.

7. Precautions After Intervention
  7.1 Undressing
  • Drench contaminated suit and breathing apparatus with water before removing facemask and suit.
  • Use chemical protection suit and self contained breathing apparatus while undressing contaminated co-workers or handling contaminated equipment.

  7.2 Equipment Clean Up
  • Seek specialist advice before leaving incident.
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