Hazmat a Class 8 Substance Is Corrosive

Hazmat A Class 8 substance is corrosive to humans and metal and should be approached with caution, especially if one is not wearing an outfit that is comprised of noncorrosive material. Additionally, the Class 4.3 Flammable Solids; Dangerous When Wet placard alerts responders to the fact that the substance which is being transported "emits a flammable gas when wet or has a violent reaction when it comes in contact with water" (Signs & Symbols, 2011). Finally the UN 1836 identifies the material being transported according to UN guidelines.

The four digit code (in this case 1836) is the identifier of the specific compound being transported. 1836 denotes the fact that the compound can be identified as thionyl chloride which is comprised of chlorine, oxygen and sulfur. A responder must also consider the NFPA diamond placard that is in sight. The 0 at 12 o'clock determines the flammability of the substance; in this case a 0 is good news in that the substance will not burn.

The 2 at 3 o'clock denotes the possibility of 'violent chemical change' and actions to prevent can include a hose stream from distance. This contradicts the fact that the material has a violent reaction when it comes in contact with water. The 4 at 9 o'clock denotes the fact that it is 'too dangerous to enter vapor or liquid' and finally, the slashed W. At 6 o'clock means that it is 'water-reactive'. In other words, this is a very hazardous situation and extreme care must be taken.

A good guess on the 2 at 3 o'clock is that the responder could not determine if it was really a 2 or not, and that a hose stream (of water) from distance in this case would likely not be a good idea. Some of the first steps that should be taken by any responder would be to verify or confirm the proximity of any other humans.

Because the substance being transported could be (or contain) sodium or potassium (which can react violently to water -- and the truck is in a ditch; which presumably could contain water), responders must act quickly to ensure human safety. Once that action has been completed the responder could actually back down the road and place warning signals or signs to keep citizens from entering the area. Another immediate step would be to discover which farmer was responsible for the irrigation system, contact that farmer and have it shut off immediately.

Since the responder in this case is a registered EH&S professional and should have a developed sense of RICH (recognizing, and identifying chemical hazards) it should not be difficult for the responder to take control of this situation. Informing other citizens who may be approaching the scene of the explosive situation should be done in a circumspect manner. In order to keep the citizens calm, responders must be positive, but firm, in their handling of the situation. Vehicles should not be.