Document Page: First | Prev | Next | All | Image | This Release | Search
File: 082696_doc1_080.txt
-~ TECHNIQUE
WATER APPLICATION ... Application of cold water via water spray to the surface of contained liquid
pools of phosgene has some possibility of reducing emissions of phosgene vapors. Phosgene is only
slightly soluble in water, somewhat heavier, and reacts slowly to form carbon dioxide and
hydrochloric acid. Note, however, that this response technique has not been tested.
CONSEQUENCE
Addition of water will increase the volume of spilled product. The response may not be effective.
MITIGATION
Contain spilled product and remove or neutralize as soon as possible. Be alert to conditions that
may add to spill volume and overfill impoundments. Abandon the response if it is not effective
or appears to increase phosgene evolution.
TECHNIQUE
FOAM ... There is a possibility that firefighting foam applied to the surface of liquid pools may slow
the release of phosgene vapors into the atmosphere. Since foam is recommended by several sources for
fighting surrounding fires, a foam blanket may have value in controlling evolution of phosgene
vapors.
CONSEQ UENCE
The effects of foam may be short term. As the foam breaks down, release of vapors will increase.
Products of foam breakdown will add to the volume of spilled material.
MITIGA TION
Continue foam applications until spilled product is removed. Contain increased volume. Cease
foam application if the response is not effective or appears to increase phosgene vapor evolution.
TECHNIQ UE
,) NEUTRALIZATION . . . There is a possibility that application of an appropriate neutralization agent to
liquid phosgene may eventually slow the release of vapors or fumes into the atmosphere.
CONSEQUENCE
Depending on the neutralization agent and application technique used, the resulting chemical
reaction may produce varying amounts of heat, vapors, fumes and spattering.
MITIGATION
Proceed with caution. Consult qualified experts for safe neutralizing techniques.
TECHNIQUE
DILUTION ... The US DOT suggests that small spills of phosgene can be handled by flushing the area
with flooding amounts of water.
CONSEQUENCE
Vapor or fume evolution may be vastly increased during and immediately after water
application, thus increasing downwind and local hazards for a time.
MITIGA TION
Some possibilities include knockdown of vapors or fumes via water fog or spray and temporary
evacuation of downwind populations and other vulnerable resources. Proceed with caution.
Consult qualified experts.
ii LAND SPILL
TECHNIQ UE
CONTAINMENT DIKES ... Liquid phosgene may be contained by building dikes using soil, sand or
other materials.
CONSEQUENCE
Contained phosgene may percolate into soil or seep through dike material. This may result in
loss of contained product and spread of contamination.
MITIGA TION
Remove or neutralize contained product as soon as possible to prevent spread of contamination.
___ Be alert to conditions such as fire hose runoff or rainwater that may overfill impoundments.
"i Where possible, line collection area with compatible impervious materials
ii
Document Page: First | Prev | Next | All | Image | This Release | Search