Sulphuric Acid Plant Safety - Hazchem
June 4, 2004

Introduction

The HAZCHEM Code was developed in the UK in the late 1970's and is now used widely throughout the UK and Australia.

The HAZCHEM Code provides advisory information to the emergency services personnel to enable them to take the appropriate action to combat an incident such as spills and fire.  Placarding with HAZCHEM and other notices warns of the presence of quantities of dangerous goods on the premises. 

HAZCHEM Codes are assigned to chemicals on the basis of their flammability, toxicity, reactivity, corrosivity and other relevant chemical and physical properties.  The HAZCHEM Code is made up of two or three characters, where the first character, a number, identifies the appropriate fire fighting method.  The second character, a letter identifies the necessary safety precautions for emergency personnel, whether a violent reaction is possible and whether to dilute or contain the spill.  The third character will either be left plank or be the letter "E", indicating the evacuation should be considered.

The HAZCHEM Code will often be displayed on an orange placard along with the UN number for the material.

HAZCHEM Emergency Action Code for Fire or Spillage

1 - Water Jets
2 - Fog
3 - Foam
4 Dry Agent

E - Consider Evacuation

Notes:

V - Can be violently or even explosively reactive.

BA - Use breathing apparatus plus protective gloves.

FULL - Use full body protective clothing with breathing apparatus.

DILUTE - Wash to drain with large quantities of water.

CONTAIN - Prevent spillage from entering drains or watercourses.

WATER FOG - In the absence of fog equipment, a fine spray may be used.

DRY AGENT - Water must not be allowed to come in contact with the substance at risk.