Sheared Sulfuryl Fluoride Cylinder at a Loading Dock
During tarping of a 40,000 ft³ commercial building, a forklift knocks over a 100-lb sulfuryl fluoride cylinder. The valve shears off, and the cylinder vents in a detached loading dock. Two workers nearby develop dizziness, nausea, and a metallic taste; one collapses. A third worker grabs a wet cloth, says he has held his breath before, and starts toward the downed worker. The wind carries the gas toward a strip mall 300 ft away. The product contains no odorant, so the workers did not smell a warning. The cylinder is still leaking, and no one has called 911 or established an exclusion zone. The loading dock is open on two sides, and office staff are still working inside the building.
1. What are the immediate priorities, and what is wrong with the third worker's rescue plan?
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The first priority is to call 911 and notify the site that there is a hazardous-materials release. Everyone should move upwind and uphill away from the loading dock, and an exclusion zone should be established around the leaking cylinder and the gas plume. The building should be evacuated or sheltered in place depending on the ventilation and gas movement, and someone should account for all workers at a safe meeting point.
The third worker's plan is dangerous and should not be attempted. A wet cloth provides no protection against sulfuryl fluoride, and holding one's breath does not prevent exposure. The gas is an asphyxiant and can cause rapid collapse; would-be rescuers frequently become additional victims. Rescue requires trained responders using SCBA and appropriate protective clothing. The worker should be stopped and directed to the assembly point. Only trained personnel with supplied air should approach the downed worker.
2. Describe the first aid for the collapsed worker and the two symptomatic workers.
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The collapsed worker should be removed from the exposure area only by trained responders wearing SCBA. Once in fresh air, the worker should be assessed for breathing and circulation, and 911 should be updated with the number of patients and their symptoms. Oxygen should be administered by trained personnel if available. There is no specific antidote for sulfuryl fluoride exposure; treatment is supportive and should be provided by emergency medical services. The worker should not be given anything by mouth if unconscious, and vomiting should not be induced.
The two symptomatic workers should also be moved to fresh air, kept calm, and evaluated by EMS. Their dizziness, nausea, and metallic taste are consistent with exposure and should be documented. They should not return to the area or attempt to help with the leak. Medical personnel should be told the product name, the approximate duration of exposure, and that the product contains no odorant.
3. What spill-control and notification actions are appropriate for the leaking cylinder?
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The cylinder should not be approached by untrained personnel. If it can be done safely by trained responders with SCBA, the cylinder may be uprighted or moved to a controlled area, but a sheared valve usually cannot be repaired in the field. Water spray may be used by responders to knock down vapor or cool the cylinder, but it will not stop the leak and should not be applied by untrained workers. Ventilation should be controlled so gas does not move toward the strip mall or occupied areas.
Notifications should include 911/fire department, the company supervisor, CHEMTREC or the product's emergency number, and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services as required. Local emergency planning and environmental authorities may also need notice. The incident should be documented with times, weather, actions, and injuries. The area should remain secured until monitoring shows that concentrations are safe and the cylinder is under control.