Introduction
Many cylinders are designed in a way they vent the contents when exposed to extremely high temperatures. In keeping with Kobesa et al. (2009) pressure in the cylinder can result from heat and might rapture if relief devices are faulty. Kobesa et al. (2009) further indicates that an extreme explosion occurs in areas where the gas has been released but the substance has not been ignited.
It is also critical to keep unnecessary people from the isolated hazard area scene of fire and deny them entry. For a tank truck or rail tank evacuation radius should be 800 meters. Kobesa et al. (2009), indicates that in case of hazard of this magnitude do not try to put out fire unless the flow of material is put off first. It is also wrong to scatter spilled material with water steams’ high pressure. Apply water from a safe distance or a protected location. Try and avoid inhalation of fumes or combustion by-products. When a person is engaged on such an incidence it is also critical that he/she stays upwind and avoid low areas. It is crucial that one stops the flow of gas (Kaszeta, 2013).
Handling the response and determining the proper type of PPE.
As a responder, one should estimate the possible course that an incidence it likely to take and the most probable damage or harm likely to be experienced i.e. if it is an explosion, one should be cautious on possible occurrence of a secondary device that may augment the damage that is likely to happen. All people involved in the response should wearing fitting PPE clothing and using proper equipment.
Recommended type of PPE
The chemical safety goggles and face shield should be used to prevent possible contact with chemical. In keeping with Kaszeta (2013), when in response team wearing protection clothing, boots, aprons, and clothing from suitable material like polyvinyl alcohol is crucial. Respiratory protection is also crucial and one should put on a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) that is NIOSH approved.
References
Grafft, J. (2012). Essentials for the emergency medical responder. Clifton Park, NY Singapore: Delmar Cengage Learning.
Kaszeta, D. (2013). CBRN and Hazmat incidents at major public events planning and response. Hoboken, N.J: John Wiley & Sons.
Kobesa, M., Helsloot, I., Bauke V. & Post J. (2009). Building safety and human behavior in fire: A literature review. Fire Safety Journal 45 (2010) 1–11
