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