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UN HAZARD CLASS FOR SAFE TANSPORTATION OF HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS

1.0 Introduction

The rapid increase in the transportation of hazardous chemicals has enhanced the accident potential during transit. In transit, the goods would be subjected to impact, vibration, compression and other adverse effects and exposure to harmful environment. These and other factors such as improper packing of the contents, poor storage may also lead to release of chemicals to the environment resulting in emergencies like fire, explosion, toxic release, etc. Apart from pollution of land, water and air, such emergencies have potential to cause injuries and death, property damage and environmental degradation. Availability of information on the hazards and control measures at the time of emergency is vital for minimizing the effect of such accidents.

This article is intended to provide the first hand knowledge about the hazard information system as implemented in India and its status of implementation.

2.0 Hazard Information Systems

The movement of hazardous substances by any mode of transport presents in general, a greater risk of accidental release than in a static installation. It is also probable that appropriate information will not be readily available in a transport accident. The need for essential information to be clearly displayed in a transport emergency has always been accepted by both industry and the emergency services. The basis of many emergency information systems adopted in various parts of the world has been a combination of hazard classification and United Nations substance identification.

2.1 U.N. Classification for Hazard and Substance Identification

The classification of chemical hazards as recommended by the UN Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods has been widely adopted for conveyance of hazardous chemicals for all modes of transport. Hazard types are segregated into nine basic classes represented numerically from 1 to 9. Many of these classes are further separated into divisions and subdivisions according to

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appropriate criteria. The criteria adopted for the classification of hazards into divisions may vary from United Nations recommendations according to the mode of transport and the regulatory body concerned.

Each United Nations hazard class (with the exception of Class 9) has a distinct diamond – shaped label bearing a pictogram for quick hazard recognition. Each label also has a characteristic background colour (Colour Scheme as per UN classification of Dangerous Goods).

Each United Nations hazard class (with the exception of Class 9) has a distinct diamond – shaped label bearing a pictogram for quick hazard recognition. Each label also has a characteristic background colour (Colour Scheme as per UN classification of Dangerous Goods).

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Class _1

Hazard Class 1Hazard Type ExplosivesBackground Colour OrangePictogram Exploding BombExample Tri-nitro-toluene

Hazard Class 2.1Hazard Type Flammable GasBackground Colour RedPictogram Flame in whiteExample Liquefied Petroleum Gas

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Class-2

Hazard Class 2.2Hazard Type Non-flammable, non-toxic gasesBackground Colour GreenPictogram Gas cylinder in white or blackExample Nitrogen kept under pressure


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Class-2


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Class-2

Hazard Class 2.3Hazard Type Toxic gasesBackground Colour WhitePictogram Skull on cross boneExample Carbon-monoxide

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Class-3

Hazard Class 3Hazard Type Flammable LiquidsBackground Colour RedPictogram Flame in whiteExample Petrol

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Class-4

Hazard Class 4.1Hazard Type Flammable SolidsBackground Colour White with vertical red stripsPictogram Flame on circle in blackExample Sulphur

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Class-4

Hazard Class 4.2Hazard Type Substances liable to spontaneous combustionBackground Colour Half white and half redPictogram Flame in blackExample White Phosphorous


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Class-4

Hazard Class 4.3Hazard Type Substances which in contact with water emit flammable

gasesBackground Colour BluePictogram Flame in whiteExample Calcium-carbide

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Class-6

Hazard Class 5.1Hazard Type Oxidising SubstancesBackground Colour YellowPictogram Flame on circle in blackExample Magnesium di oxide

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Class-6

Hazard Class 5.2Hazard Type Organic PeroxidesBackground Colour YellowPictogram Flame on circle in blackExample Benzoyl peroxide

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Class-6.1

Hazard Class 6.1Hazard Type Poisonous SubstancesBackground Colour WhitePictogramExample


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Class-6.1

Hazard Class 6.2Hazard Type Poisonous Substances to be kept away from the eatablesBackground Colour WhitePictogram St. Andrew's cross posed on wheat earExample Methylparathion

Hazard Class 6Hazard Type Infectious SubstancesBackground Colour WhitePictogram Three crescent signs superimposed on a circlesExample Anthrex spores, the chemicals used in biological weapons

Hazard Class 7Hazard Type Radioactive SubstancesBackground Colour Upper Yellow Lower WhitePictogram Trifoil in blackExample Uranium

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Class-7

Hazard Class 8Hazard Type Corrosive SubstancesBackground Colour Upper White lower BlackPictogram Human hand away from chemicalsExample Chlorine, Ammonia


Class-7

Class-6.1

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In addition to the pictogram, hazard-warning diamonds may also bear an approved inscription quoting the hazard and /or the United Nations hazard class number. The basic principle however, is that the shape, colour and pictogram convey a clear message of danger, thus overcoming language difficulties. With international acceptance, the value of such labelling system when displayed on vehicles and packages is clear because

1. It provides a warning to the general public to keep away.2. In an accident situation the emergency services are provided with an

indication of the primary hazard likely to be encountered.

2.2 Substance Identification

The classification of hazardous chemical product is considered by the group of reporters of the UN Committee of Experts on the basis of information submitted in a prescribed form by manufactures. If such data meets appropriate criteria, the product is assigned a four-digit identification number and added to the United Nations list.

2.3 ADR/RID

The international movement of hazardous chemicals by road or rails across most frontiers in Europe is controlled by the ADR or RID regulations. These regulations require the display of hazard information panels. The panels have an orange background and display two separate numerical codes. The lower code is the United Nations number, which identifies the substance. In the upper section a two or three digit hazard identification number id displayed.

The first digit of this hazard identification number indicates the primary hazard viz.

2. Gas3. Flammable liquid4. Flammable solid5. Oxidizing substance or organic peroxide6. Toxic substance7. Corrosive


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Secondary hazards are indicated by the second and third digits. They are : 0. No meaning 1. Explosion 2. Possibility of gas being given off3. Flammable risk4. Oxidizing risk5. Toxic risk6. Corrosive risk7. Risk of violent reaction from spontaneous decomposition of self-

polymerization.

An intensification of the primary hazard is indicated when the first and second digits are the same. For example, 33 means a highly flammable liquid (flash point < 21oC); 66, a very dangerous toxic substance; and 88, a very dangerous corrosive substance. When the first two digits are 22, a refrigerated gas is indicted. The combination 42 indicates a solid which may give off a gas on contact with water. When the hazard identification number is preceded by the letter X, the application of water to the product is absolutely prohibited.

X 4 2 32 2 5 7

The above example provides the following information in numerical form :

1. The substance is potassium metal.2. It is flammable solid which may given off a gas and possess a flammable

risk.3. It must not be allowed to come into contact with water.


40 cm

30 cm

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3.0 HAZChem Till sometime back firemen had no way of knowing what to except when using a particular medium of extinguishment on unknown chemicals in a fire, spillage or any emergency to which they were called. Incorrect actions resulted in disasters. In one instance, water sprayed on calcium carbide stocks resulted in an explosion. In another instance, water jet aimed at the point of leak from a chlorine pipeline accentuated chlorine leak because of corrosive effects of chlorine and water combination. Availability of information on the hazardous nature of substance and required control measure helps the emergency management personnel to take quick and correct decisions.

The HAZChem code (also called Emergency Action Code) gives vital information to fire brigade and other emergency services on the action to be taken to combat spillage, leakage or fire in an emergency involving a hazardous substance. In UK, a joint committee on fire brigade operations listed about 39,000 chemicals with recommended action which fire fighters should tame in controlling the emergency. The Chemical Information Retrieval and Updated System (CIRUS) maintained by the London Fire Brigade monitors the HAZChem code data and updates the code on a continuous basis.

The HAZChem code consists of a number from 1 to 4 and any one of the letters, P, R, S,T, W, X, Y, Z followed at times by the letter E. The numbers signify the extinguishing medium to be employed as given in table 1.

Table 1

1 JETS2 FOG3 FOAM 4 DRY AGENT

The letters signify 4 aspects viz.i) Method of controlling spillage

a) by diluting or b) by containing

ii) Personal protective equipment to be worn by fire fightersiii) Reactive nature of Chemical, and


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iv) Need for evacuation. The fire services personnel should carry the HAZChem code, scale and Notes for Guidance as given in Table –3.

For example for ethylene oxide with UN number 1040 containing not more than 0.2% nitrogen the HAZChem code is 2PE and would be decoded as:

2- Fog equipment is recommended (through extinguishing agents corresponding to higher number may also be used). P- Can be violently (V) reactive .Full body clothing with breathing apparatus is necessary. The substance may be diluted and washed to drain.E- Consider evacuation as first priority.

For motor spirit with UN number 1203, the HAZChem code is 3YE, and this would mean 3- Use Foam only.Y- Can be violently (V) reactive: Breathing apparatus plus protective gloves to be used in case of fire. The personal protective equipment is not a requirement in case of spillage. Any spillage of the substance should be contained. E- Consider evacuation as a first priority.

It is important to not here that the objective of the HAZChem code is not to identify the chemical carried in the vehicle. The purpose of HAZChem code is only to provide guidance on the basic approach to dealing with an emergency.


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Table 2HAZChem Code Scale for Fire / Spillage

P V FULL

DILUTE

Notes for GuidanceFOGIn the absence of fog equipment a fine spray may be used. DRY AGENT Water must not be allowed to come into contact with the substance at risk. V Can be violently or even explosively reactive.FULL Full protective clothing with BA.DILUTE May be washed to drain with large quantities of water.CONTAIN Prevent, by any means available, spillage from entering drains or water course.

RS

VBA

S BA for FIRE ONLYT BAT BA for FIRE ONLYW V FULL

CONTAIN

XY V BAY BA for FIRE ONLYZ BAZ BA for FIRE ONLY

E CONSIDER EVACUATION

In interpreting the HAZChem code, the following points mentioned in the Manual of Firemen ship, Book 12, Part 2 will be useful:

(i) If necessary, a fire fighting medium represented by a higher number than that shown may be used, but not represented by a lower number.

(ii) Where the letter appears as orange on black, police and other non-fire service personnel need to wear breathing apparatus only for a fire and not for a spillage, but firemen are required to wear it in both cases.

(iii) Letter E indicates that the officer in charge should consider civil evacuation of the area.

It does not make evacuation obligatory or inevitable. The Indian Chemical Manufactures Association (ICMA), in their publication “Code for Safe Transportation of Hazardous Substances by Road” recommends that at least the area within a radius of 300m should be considered for evacuation wherever ‘E’ appears in HAZChem code.


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With reference to point (ii) above, it is to be mentioned that according to the HAZChem coding allocated by the Joint Action Committee on Fire Brigade Operations and confirmed by the Health & Safety Executive of United Kingdom, which were published by the Chemical Industries Association, the letters in the HAZChem code, that signify ‘BA for FIRE only’ should be in ORANGE on BLACK. In the absence of specific reference to the color of this letter in the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989, letters in WHITE on BLACK are commonly used in our country to signify ‘BA for FIRE only’.

4.0 HAZChem Code – Application in Our Country

In India, it is mandatory for the vehicles transporting hazardous chemicals to display Emergency Information Panel (EIP) with details and at places as specified under Rule – 134 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989.

One practical problem encountered with the use of EIP is the selection of the substance identification number and the HAZChem code to be incorporated in the EIP when a tanker transports different chemicals in different compartments. The solution in such case is to incorporate the word “Multi-load” in the sections of EIP earmarked for “UN Number” and “HAZchem” and to label each compartment separately with the UN number and HAZChem code corresponding to the chemical in the compartment.

As to the level of compliance to this statutory requirement, it is quite disheartening to note the lack of concern shown by both the consignors / transporter as well as the various regulatory agencies involved. A study carried out by Central Road Research Institute (CRRI) covering 200 hazardous material carriers reaffirms the above view. According to the study, only 7% of the carriers were displaying Emergency Information Panel in the prescribed format with correct details. The maximum incorrectness was observed in the marking of the HAZChem code followed by the U.N. number. Although the sample taken for study seems too small to generalize the observations, the study is still indicative of the nature of commissions or omissions made by the carriers and chemical manufactures in complying with the statutory provision concerning Emergency Information Panel.

After the investigation of a multiple road mishap involving a hazardous substance carrier, a passenger bus and a tractor – trailer assembly that took place


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near Chennai a few years back. Chemical spill from the tanker resulted in a devastating fire, which burnt down all three vehicles and also charred 55 persons to death. Subsequent investigation revealed that the EIP contained details pertaining to petrol while the actual product carried was benzene.

Following deficiencies in respect of the Emergency Information Panels on hazardous goods carriers was further observed:

1. Display of EIP not in accordance with the provisions laid down in the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 (CMVR). The EIP as per CMPR should be displayed at three locations on a carrier viz; extreme back and both sides of the vehicle with class label on front of the vehicle (refer Fig 1). However, in utter disregard to the statutory provisions invariable EIP is displayed at the centre (close to manhole) on sides of tankers which is prone to get spoiled during loading and unloading operations.

2. The information given in the EIP does not match with the chemical being transported. This may be due to:

Carelessness in adhering, to CMVR requirements by the Consignor. Driver of the vehicle not affixing on the EIP, the stickers for class label,

UN number HAZChem, etc. supplied by the consignor the time of loading a chemical in the vehicle.

Deliberate action on the part of consignor / transporter to mislead professional thieves and thus avoid pilferage of costly chemicals enroute. Many drivers reported that hazardous goods carriers are forcibly stopped, the driver is threatened and miscreants steal costly products.

Lack of driver training

3. With reference to UN class label, instead of correct fire symbol in red, a flower or some vague picture is painted.

4. Drivers keep many TREM cards belonging to chemicals transported earlier, in the vehicle cabin. This specially leads to confusion when the driver /cleaner runs away after an accident and emergency action is to be taken.

5. The size of EIP, inside boxes and letters / numbers does not match the specifications given in CMVR, 1989.

6. The EIP which gets obliterated in course of time is not repainted and remains unclear or invisible.


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7. Some tankers do not carry any hazardous chemical, but display EIP of a hazardous chemical which the tanker transported earlier.

Table 4

HAZCHEM CODES FOR SELECTED CHEMICALS(Source: Code for Safe Transportation of Hazardous substances by Road,

Indian Chemical Manufactures Association, ICMA)

UN Hazard ClassUN No. SUBSTANCE EAC (HAZChem

Code)Main Risk Subsidiary

Risk1049 Hydrogen, compressed 2SE 2 31066 Nitrogen, compressed 2T 2 -1001 Acetylene, dissolved 2SE 2 31002 Air compressed 2T 2 -1038 Ethylene, refrigerated

liquid2WE 2 3

1072 Oxygen, compressed 2S 2 5.11075 Petroleum gases, liquefied 2WE 2 31077 Propylene (Propene) 2WE 2 31086 Vinyl cholride, inhibited 2Y3 2 31090 Acetone 3WE 3 -114 Benzene (Benzol) 2Y 3 -1134 Chlorobenzene

(Monochloro – Beenzene)2SE 3 -

1170 Ethanol (Ethyl alcohol) 2S 3 -1188 Ethylene glycol

monomethly ether (Methly glycol)

2SE 3 -

1198 Formaldehyde solutions (for example : Formalin), flash point not more than 61o C

3Z 3 -

1202 Gas Oil (Diesel) 3YE 3 -1203 Motor Spirit (Include

Gasoline or Petrol)2SE 3 -

1204 Nitroglyerin (Glyeraly traintiate) solution in alcohol containing not more than 1% nitroglycerin

3YE 3 -

1208 Hexane and its isomers 2SE 3 -1219 Isopropanol (Isopropyl-

alcohol)3Y 3 -

1223 Kerosene (Paraffin) 2PE 3 -


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UN Hazard ClassUN No. SUBSTANCE EAC (HAZChem

Code)Main Risk Subsidiary

Risk1230 Methanol (Methyl alcohol,

Wood alcohol, Columbian spirits)

3YE 3 6.1

1255 Naphtha, petroleum 3W 3 -1256 Naphtha, solvent 3WE 3 -1267 Petroleum crude oil 3YE 3 -1294 Toluene (Toulon) 3Y 3 -1299 Turpentine 2Z 3 -1350 Sulphur 2WE 4.1 -1381 Phosphorus, white or yellow

dry or under water or in solution.

4W 4.2 6.1

1428 Sodium, metal 2R 4.3 -1719 Caustic alkali liquids, 2R 8 -1789 Hydrochloric acid 2P 8 -1830 Sulphuric acid 2Z 8 -1846 Carbon Tetrachloride 6.1 -

Source: Loss Prevention News; October- December Issue of 1998


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MANAGEMENT OF ACCIDENTS DURING ... - hrdp-idrm.in · Web viewThe rapid increase in the transportation of hazardous chemicals has enhanced ... the word “Multi-load” in the sections