HAZCHEM CODE GUIDELINES

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1.     INTERPRETATION OF HAZCHEM CODE FOR ROAD TRANSPORT

HAZCHEM (hazardous chemical) code is very useful and simple device which enables one to know and what action taken is necessary for case of spillage, leakage or fire from chemicals during transports.

HAZCHEM codes of some flammable toxic substances are as follow.

S. No.	Substance	HAZCHEM Code
1	LPG	2WE
2	Ethane Compressed	2PE
3	Hydrogen Compressed	2SE
4	Benzene	3WE
5	Motor Spirit	3YE
6	Kerosene	3Y
7	Petroleum Crude Oil	3WE
8	Propane	2SE
9	Toluene	3YE
10	Chlorine	2XE

Interpretation of the alphabets in HAZCHEM code:

The action to be taken in case of emergency involving dangerous substances follows:

Code in HAZCHEM	Violent or Not	PPE’s Required	Requirement of dilution of containment
P	V	FULL	DILUTE
R
S	V	BA
S		BA for FIRE only
T		BA
T		BA for FIRE only
W	V	FULL	CONTAIN
X
Y	V	BA
Y		BA for FIRE only
Z		BA
Z		BA for FIRE only
E	CONSIDER EVACUATION

The numeral 1,2,3,4 in HAZCHEM code denotes the fire fighting extinguishing media as follows:

1          -           Jets

2          -           Fog / Mist (in the absence of fog equipment. Spray may be used)

3          -           Foam

4          -           Dry Agent. (Water not allowed to be used)

Notes for guidance:

V                     :           Can be violently or explosively reactive.

FULL               :           Full body protective clothing with Breathing Apparatus.

BA                  :           Breathing apparatus plus protective clothing.

DILUTE          :           May be washed to drain with a large quantity of running water.

CONTAIN     :           Prevent the spillage from entering drains of water source

E                      :           Surrounding area should be evacuated (at least 300 meters).

Example:                  HAZCHEM code of LPG – 2WE

• The Number 2 indicates in case of fire in LPG. Used water Fog (or Mist) should be used.

• The Letter W indicates the substance is violently or explosively. And Full body protection with breathing apparatus is necessary. Spillage or leakage should be contained.

• Letter E indicates that surrounding area (at least the area within the radius of 300 meters)

2.     FIRE SAFETY IN TRANSPORTATION OF HAZARDOUS GOODS

Fire and explosion are common hazards during the transportation of flammable and combustible substances.

2.1  Causes of fire and explosion in transportation of  hazardous goods

• Container failure due to overfilling, overheating or defect.
• Loading and unloading operation.
• An accident during transport such as overturning.
• Sparks generated by static electricity.
• Underground pipelines leakage due to earthmoving and excavating equipment, corrosion and natural calamities.

• Statues Applicable ( Legislation / Regulation)

• Motor vehicle Act, 1988 and Central Rules, 1989
• Petroleum Act, 1934 and Rules, 2002 amended in 2011.
• Explosives Act 1884 and Rules, 2008.
• Gas cylinder Rules, 2004

• Fire Safety Measures

• Ensure goods carriage has a valid registration to hazardous goods.
• Ensure driver has a valid heavy driving license.
• Instruct the driver and to be aware of the hazardous goods.
• The driver has a TREM card while driving.
• Display painted emergency information panel on the tanker container. And a chemical name with HAZCHEM Number.
• Provide First Aid kit, Fire extinguisher, and other safety equipment in the container.
• Maintain the vehicle tank and its fitting to a high standard by periodic inspection and testing.

Loading and Unloading

• Follow approved safety procedures
• Ensure purge the container, because a previously transported chemical is present.
• Don’t overfill the tankers.
• Don’t restart the engine until tanks and valves have been securely closed.
• Keeps adequate fire extinguishing equipment ready for immediate use.
• Use separate pipelines and pumps for different chemicals.
• Don’t raise the dip rod completely above the liquid during or within one minute of the completion of loading.
• Load the filled barrels, drums and other containers in an upright position.

Tips for Drivers

• Ensure Follow traffic rules & regulations.
• Don’t smoke in the vehicle carrying hazardous goods.
• Don’t carry passengers or any fire material in the goods carriage.
• Make sure that the vehicle is parked at a safe place away from ignition sources.
• Always carry TREMCARD with respect to the chemical being transported.

In case of emergency

• Don’t panic, be calm, don’t abandon the vehicle and run away.
• Move the vehicle to a less vulnerable location.
• Report to the nearest police station. And inform nearest fire station.
• Cordon of the affected area.
• Refer to the TREMCARD for the hazards and the control measures.
• Warn the public to move away from the affected vehicle and tanker.

2.4  Transport by Pipelines:

• Install sufficient marker posts to identify the path.
• Ensure effectiveness of earthing and bonding through periodic inspection and testing.
• Before starting the repair or maintenance the section of pipe line should be isolated and drained. Use with inert gas or steam.
• Practice work permits system for repair or maintenance.
• Don’t re-use the section of the pipeline which had underground repair/maintenance without completing the hydraulic test.

• FIRE PRECAUTIONS IN MOTOR VEHICLES

• Statutory Requirements

• Central motor vehicles Rules, 1989
• Petroleum Act 1934 and Rules, 2002 amended in 2011.
• Explosives Act 1884 and Rules, 2008.
• Gas Cylinder Rules, 2004.

• Common Causes of fire in motor vehicles

• Smoking in the vehicles.
• Using open flame while refueling or inspection fuel tank.
• Fuel dripping from fuel line/tank due to poor maintenance or collisions.
• Damaged gaskets, wiring.
• Accumulation of oil, grease, and dirt on brake shoe and drum
• Overheated engine.
• Poor maintenance of batteries.
• Poor maintenance of CNG/LPG kit.

• Fire safety measures

• After smoking and matches discard them properly in the ashtray.
• Do not smoke or use open flame while refueling or inspecting fuel tank and battery.
• Should be avoiding loose terminations and taped joints in the wiring.
• Always turn OFF the engine, while refueling the vehicle, and apply parking breaks.
• Install DCP or CO2 portable fire extinguishers.

• What to do in case of vehicle fire

• Get yourself all others and away from the vehicle.
• Call the fire services tell them the correct location of the vehicle.
• Do not attempt to get back into a burning of the vehicle.
• If you use a fire extinguisher from the safe distance.

• Adopt defensive driving

• Overturning may occur due to skidding. It leads vehicle damage. Spillage of fuel and its ignition.
• Can be avoided trained to familiar driver by defensive driving techniques
• Ensure only experienced drivers trained in defensive driving

• Vehicles operated by CNG/LPG

HAZARDS

• LPG leaking from a vehicle may get ignited outside the vehicle. It’s may flash.
• LPG/CNG leak within the confined space of the vehicle may lead to fire and explosion.
• The week or damaged gas cylinders may burst during refilling.

PRECAUTIONS

• Check the gas system for leaks by using soap solution, and never by a naked flame.
• Monitor the condition of electrical system periodically.
• If LPG vehicles are parked for a prolonged period, ventilate the parking room before starting the engine.

• Fire safety in luxury buses

Luxury buses are usually air-conditioned vehicles with video and audio arrangements. These features may occur to fire in luxury buses.

DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

• Flame retardant interior finish having low flame spread is recommended.(NFPA)
• Foamed plastic should be avoided for the interior finish.
• Minimum 2 exits provide unobstructed passages are required.
• NFPA recommends a force not more than 20lbs to open emergency exits in Luxury vehicles.
• Exhaust system components should be so located that they are not, subject to road damage.

FIRE PREVENTION

• Ensure LPG cylinder should not be stored or placed inside the vehicle.
• Ensure Flammable liquids and firework materials should not be carried on the vehicle.
• Make sure “NO SMOKING” signage should be displayed inside the vehicle.
• Should be provided DCP fire extinguisher located in readily accessible position.