- CHEMICAL DANGERS:
- Phosphorus spontaneously ignites on contact with air, producing toxic fumes (phosphorus oxides).
- Phosphorus reacts violently with oxidants, halogens, some metals, nitrites, sulfur, and many other compounds, causing a fire and explosion hazard.
- Phosphorus reacts with strong bases to produce toxic phosphine gas.
- EXPLOSION HAZARDS:
- Phosphorus reacts violently with oxidants, halogens, some metals, nitrites, sulfur, and many other compounds, causing an explosion hazard.
- Upper and lower explosive (flammable) limits in air are not available for white phosphorus.
- FIRE FIGHTING INFORMATION:
- White phosphorus is extremely flammable.
- Phosphorus will spontaneously ignite if exposed to air.
- Phosphorus ignites at approximately 86°F (30°C) in air; the ignition temperature is higher when the air is dry.
- Phosphorus reacts violently with oxidants, halogens, some metals, nitrites, sulfur, and many other compounds, causing a fire hazard.
- The agent burns rapidly, releasing dense, white irritating fumes.
- The agent may be transported in a molten form.
- The agent may re-ignite after a fire is extinguished.
- For small fires, use cold water spray, wet sand, or wet earth.
- For large fires, use cold water spray or fog. Do not scatter spilled material with high-pressure cold water streams. Move containers from the fire area if it is possible to do so without risk to personnel.
- For fire involving tanks or car/trailer loads, fight the fire from maximum distance or use unmanned hose holders or monitor nozzles. Cool containers with flooding quantities of cold water until well after the fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tanks. Always stay away from tanks engulfed in fire.
- Run-off from fire control may be corrosive and/or toxic, and it may cause pollution.
- If the situation allows, control and properly dispose of run-off (effluent).
- INITIAL ISOLATION AND PROTECTIVE ACTION DISTANCES:
- If a tank, rail car, or tank truck is involved in a fire, isolate it for 0.5 mi (800 m) in all directions; also consider initial evacuation for 0.5 mi (800 m) in all directions.
- This agent is not included in the DOT ERG 2004 Table of Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances.
- In the DOT ERG 2004 orange-bordered section of the guidebook, there are public safety recommendations to isolate a white phosphorus (Guide 136) spill or leak area immediately for at least 150 ft (50 m) for liquids and 75 ft (25 m) for solids in all directions.
- PHYSICAL DANGERS:
- Not established/determined
- NFPA 704 Signal:
- Health: 4
- Flammability: 4
- Reactivity: 2
- Special:
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- SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS:
- OSHA: Not established/determined
- NIOSH: 7905
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