Thursday, March 5, 2015

Nasty Situation in Vancouver, Canada. Trichloroisocyanuric acid burning at Port Metro Vancouver. Only dry power can effectively fight this fire







MARCH 4, 2015

VANCOUVER, CANADA
Nasty Situation in Vancouver, Canada.  Trichloroisocyanuric acid burning at Port Metro Vancouver.  Only dry power can effectively fight this fire

Fire began at Port Metro Vancouver Wednesday afternoon

The substance burning at Port Metro Vancouver is a highly reactive chemical called trichloroisocyanuric acid, confirmed Vancouver Coastal Health.


It is a white, sand-like powder used to kill bacteria. It's not combustible, but is described as a "dangerous explosion hazard" when it reacts with other substances, or is heated.

The acid "gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire," including chlorine gas, according to safety information posted by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention in the U.S.

A material safety datasheet for the acid said it is harmful if inhaled, and could cause damage to the kidneys, liver, respiratory, eyes and skin.

Cover eyes and mouth to reduce exposure

People living in Vancouver east of Main Street and north of East 1st Avenue are told to close their windows and remain inside, said Vancouver police in a statement.

A spokesperson for Vancouver Coastal Health described the acid as a "respiratory irritant," that irritates eyes and lungs, but is only dangerous in large amounts.

"If you need to go outside, cover your eyes and mouth with a wet cloth," said Viola Kaminski of Vancouver Coastal Health.




WHAT IS TRICHLOROISOCYANURIC ACID?

Trichloroisocyanuric acid is a bleaching agent and industrial disinfectant. It is also a possible eye and skin irritant. May intensify fire; oxidizer.  When the substance burns it is going to release a hydrogen chloride gas.



HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

2.1 Classification of the substance or mixture

GHS Classification in accordance with 29 CFR 1910 (OSHA HCS)



Oxidizing solids (Category 2), H272

Acute toxicity, Oral (Category 4), H302

Skin irritation (Category 2), H315

Serious eye damage (Category 1), H318

Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure (Category 3), Respiratory system, H335

Acute aquatic toxicity (Category 1), H400

Chronic aquatic toxicity (Category 1), H410



For the full text of the H-Statements mentioned in this Section, see Section 16.



2.2 GHS Label elements, including precautionary statements

Hazard statement(s)

H272 May intensify fire; oxidizer.

H302 Harmful if swallowed.

H315 Causes skin irritation.

H318 Causes serious eye damage.

H335 May cause respiratory irritation.

H410 Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects.



Precautionary statement(s)

P210 Keep away from heat.

P220 Keep/Store away from clothing/ combustible materials.

P221 Take any precaution to avoid mixing with combustibles.

P261 Avoid breathing dust/ fume/ gas/ mist/ vapours/ spray.

P264 Wash skin thoroughly after handling.

P270 Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.

P271 Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.

P273 Avoid release to the environment.

P280 Wear protective gloves/ protective clothing/ eye protection/ face

protection.

P301 + P312 IF SWALLOWED: Call a POISON CENTER or doctor/ physician if you feel unwell.

P302 + P352 IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of soap and water.

P304 + P340 IF INHALED: Remove victim to fresh air and keep at rest in a position comfortable for breathing.

P305 + P351 + P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.

P310 Immediately call a POISON CENTER or doctor/ physician.

P321 Specific treatment (see supplemental first aid instructions on this label).

P330 Rinse mouth.

P332 + P313 If skin irritation occurs: Get medical advice/ attention.

P362 Take off contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.

P370 + P378 In case of fire: Use dry sand, dry chemical or alcohol-resistant foam for extinction.

P391 Collect spillage.

P403 + P233 Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed.

P405 Store locked up.

P501 Dispose of contents/ container to an approved waste disposal plant.



FIREFIGHTING MEASURES

5.1 Extinguishing media

Suitable extinguishing media

Dry powder



5.2 Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture

Carbon oxides

Carbon oxides, nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas



5.3 Advice for firefighters

Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for fir fighting if necessary.



5.4 Further information

no data available