Hillcrest L P Service, Inc. - Executive Summary |
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This is the letter that was sent out to all of the surrounding residents: In the event that something should happen at our propane plant, Hillcrest L P Service, Inc., located on Highway 275, 1/8 mile North of Highway 136, you should take these precautions. If you should see a flame or fire or leak around or on the tank, leave the area, then call the Fire Department at 744-2121 or Don Daugherty at 744-2333 or 744-4013. If you live North on 275, then go North on Hwy 275 at least 1/2 mile, if you live or work on Hwy 136, then you need to East or West on Hwy 136 at least 1/2 mile. Don Daugherty This is the letter that was sent out to: Rock Port Volunteer Fire Dept., Sheriff Department, and to the Emergency Management Office: In the event that something should happen at our plant, Hillcrest L P Service, Inc., located on Hwy. 275 & 1/8 mile North of Hwy 136. These precautios should be taken. All Departments notify one another, Sheriff, Fire Dept., Emergency Management Office and Don D augherty. All residents and businesses should be evacuated for a 1/2 mile and direction, and Hwy 275 and Hwy 136 should be closed until wind direction and severity is determined. Sheriff's Dept. will close roads and handle traffic. The Fire Dept., depending on the severity of the leak or fire will control the leak or fire and help evacuate the area. Emergency Management will contact residents and businesses to get out of the area. The Fire Dept. would also call Don Daugherty in case of a leak or a fire at a valve on the 18,000 gallon propane tank. All valves have a back up valve, they are controlled and the cables run in the opposite direction of the valve. In case of fire under the tank, DO NOT TRY TO FIGHT IT! You won't have enough water. Evacuate the area. FIRE FIGHTING & EXPLOSION DATA: Flash Point: -156F Autoignition: 742F Lower Explosive Limit(%): 2.3 Upper Explosive Limit (%): 9.5 Extinguishing Media Wash spray, dry chemi cal, CO2, or Halon SPECIAL FIRE FIGHTING INSTRUCTIONS: Evacuate the area. Stay upwind of vapors. Stop flow of gas. Use water to keep fire exposed container and piping cool. Use water spray to disperse unignited gas. If ignition has occurred and no water is available, tank or piping metal may fail from overheating. Approach containers from sides, not from ends. EXPOSURE EFFECTS AND FIRST AID: Route of Exposure - Inhalation Exposure may produce rapid breathing, headache, dizziness, visual disturbances, muscular weakness, tremors, narcosis, unconsciousness, and death, depending on concentration and duration of exposure. First Aid - Inhalation Immediately move personnel to area of fresh air. For espiratory distress, give air, oxygen, or administer CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), if necessary. Obtain medical attention if breathing difficulties continue. Route of Exposure - Skin This material is not expected to be absorbed through the skin. Non-irritating: but solid and liquid forms of this material and pressurized gas can freeze burns. First Aid - Skin Frozen tissues should be flooded or soaked with warm water. DO NOT USE HOT WATER. Cryogenic burns, which result in blistering or deeper tissue freezing, should be promptly seen by a physician. Route of Exposure - Eyes This gas is non-irritating: but direct contact with liquefied/pressurized gas or frost particles may produce severe and possibly permanent eye damage from freeze burns. First Aid - Eyes Vapors are not expected to present an eye irritation hazard. If contacted by liquid solid, immediately flush the eye(s) gently with warm water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if pain or redness persists. Route of Exposure - Ingestion Solid an liquid forms of this material and the pressurized gas can cause freeze burns. First Aid - Ingestion Induce vomiting with warm water (one quart) o nly if patient is conscious. Immediately obtain medical attention. Miscellaneous Toxicological Information Inhalation may produce mild intoxication, drowsiness, or loss of coordination. High concentrations produce intoxication followed by loss of consciousness, asphyxiation, and death. Health Conditions Aggravated by Exposure Presonnel with pre-existing chronic respiratory diseases should avoid exposure to this material. REACTIVITY & POLYMERIZATION Stability: Stable Conditions to Avoid (Stability) Strong acids, alkalines, and oxidizers such as chlorine and oxygen. Hazardous Decomposition Products Combustion may produce carbon monoxide and other harmful substances. The chemical used as warning agent, ethyl mercaptan, may under certain, such as when oxygen, water, iron oxide or other oxidizers are present in containers or piping react with oxidizers which can diminish its distinct smell. Hazardous Polymerization: Not expected SPILL, LEAK & DISPOSAL PROCEDURES Steps to be taken in the event of spills, leaks, or Release. Eliminate all potential sources of ignition. Evacuate all non-essential personnel to an area upwind (at least 1/2 mile in all directions if tanks or tank cars are involved in fire). Stop source of release with non-sparking tools before putting out any fire. Ventilate enclosed areas to prevent formation of flammable or oxygen-deficient atmospheres. Water spray may be used to reduce vapors. Closed systems form white frost at the point of leak. Liquid spills will vaporize forming cold, dense vapor clouds that do not readily disperse. Avoid vapor cloud even with proper repiratory equipment. Waste Disposal Methods Release are expected to cause only localized non-persistent enviromental damage. Waste mixtures containing these gases should not be allowed to enter drains or sewers where there is danger of the vapors becoming ignited. When it becomes necessary to dispose of these gases, it is preferable to do so as a vapor. Unused product may be used as an auxiliary fuel or disposed by burning in a properly designed flare or incinerator. Venting of gas to the atmosphere should be avoided. Defective, empty, or partially used portable containers should be returned to the supplier and appropriate tags. SPECIAL PROTECTIVE MEASURES Ventilation Local exhaust and general room ventilation may both be esstential in work areas to prevent accumulation of explosive mixtures. If mechanical, both may be essential in work areas to prevent accumulation of explosive mixtures. If mechanical ventilation is used, electrical equipment must meet National Electrical Code requirements. Eye Protection Use chemical - type goggles and face shields when handling liquified gases. Safety glasses and/or face shields are recommended when handling high-pressure cylinders and piping systems and whenever vapors are discharged. Skin Protect ion Prevent potential skin contact with cold liquid/solid/vapors. Use insulated, impervious plastic or neoprene-coated canvas gloves and protective gear (apron, face shield, etc.) to protect hands and other skin areas. Respiratory Problems For excessive gas concentrations, use only NIOSH/MSHA - approved, self-contained breathing apparatus. Work/Hygenic Practices Emergency eye wash fountains and safety showers for first aid treatment of potential freeze burns should be available in the vicinity of any significant exposure from compressed gas release. Personnel should not enter areas where the atmosphere is below 19.5% Vol. oxygen without special procedure/equipment. Respirator use should comply with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134 or equivalent. |