Sulfur Spills


Spills should be handled according to the physical state of the sulfur:

  • Molten (hot liquid) - burn danger, containment of spill
  • Solid (packaged formed particles) - fire and explosion danger
  • Flowable (emulsified liquid) - less dangerous, containment of spill

Molten Spills

Information taken from Molten SDS Sheet

Precautions for Safe Handling and Use

Steps if Matl Released/Spill

ELIM IGNIT SOURCES. PVNT ADDNL DISCHARGE OF MATL, IF POSS TO DO SO W/OUT HAZ. FOR SML SPILLS IMPLEMENT CLEANUP PROC; FOR LGE SPILLS IMPLEMENT CLEANUP PROC &, IF IN PUBLIC AREA, KEEP PUBLIC AWAY & ADVISE AUTH. ALSO, IF THIS PROD IS SUBJECT TO (ING 14)

Neutralizing Agent

NONE SPECIFIED BY MANUFACTURER.

Waste Disposal Method

CONSULT AN EXPERT ON DISPOSAL OF RECOVERED MATERIAL AND ENSURE CONFORMITY TO LOCAL DISPOSAL REGULATIONS. DISPOSE OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH LOCAL, STATE AND FEDERAL REGULATIONS (FP N).

Precautions-Handling/Storing

LIQUID SULFUR MUST BE KEPT WITHIN A TEMPERATURE RANGE OF 260-285F (127-140C) AS VISCOSITY IS REASONABLE IN THIS RANGE.

Other Precautions

LOWER LIM IS DUE TO RISK OF PROD FREEZING INTO CRYSTALLINE FORM, A BRIGHT YELLOW BRITTLE SOLID. UPPER LIM IS DUE TO UNDESIRABLE TRANSFORMATION THAT LIQ SULFUR GOES THRU ABOVE THIS RANGE. CLEAR YELLOW LOW VISCOSITY LIQ, WHEN EXPOSED (ING 17)

Common Name: SULFUR LIQUID

Chronic Hazard: NO

Signal Word: DANGER!

Acute Health Hazard-Moderate: X

Contact Hazard-Severe: X

Fire Hazard-Slight: X

Reactivity Hazard-Slight: X

EYES: THERMAL BURNS. SKIN: THERMAL BURNS. MAY IRRITATE AND CAUSE DERMATITIS. INHALATION: IRRITATING VAPORS. HIGHLY TOXIC AT HIGH HYDROGEN SULFIDE CONCENTRATIONS. MAY CAUSE RESPIRATORY COLLAPSE, COMA, AND DEATH. BREATHING DIFFICULTIES. INGESTION: MINIMAL TOXICITY. HOT LIQUID WILL CAUSE THERMAL BURNS TO MOUTH, THROAT AND STOMACH. CHRONIC: NONE SPECIFIED BY MANUFACTURER.


Solid Spills

Information taken from Solids SDS Sheet

SECTION 3 FIRE AND EXPLOSION DATA

PRIMARY HAZARD:

Sulfur dust suspended in air ignites easily, and can cause an explosion in confined areas. May be ignited by friction, static electricity, heat, sparks, or flames. Toxic gases will form upon combustion. Bulk/solid forms burn only at moderate rate, whereas dust burns with explosive violence.

SECTION 6 PRECAUTIONS FOR SAFE HANDLING AND USE

EXPLOSION HAZARD:

Avoid any conditions that might tend to create a dust explosion. Be careful not to create dust. Maintain good housekeeping practices to minimize dust build-up and dispersion. Eliminate sources of ignition. Keep away from heat, sparks and flames. Use nonferrous tools to reduce sparking. Sweep or shovel up spilled material using a natural fiber broom and/or aluminum shovel to prevent sparking. Maintain adequate ventilation in all areas.

SMALL or LARGE SPILLS:

No flares or flames in area. No smoking. Danger of dust explosion near sparks. Sweep or shovel up spilled material using a natural fiber broom and/or aluminum shovel to prevent sparking. Place sweepings in an appropriate chemical waste container for reclaiming or disposal in an approved facility. Wash spill site after clean up is complete. Wear protective clothing during clean up: safety glasses, rubber gloves, impervious clothing, dust mask or respirator.

SECTION 7 PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

WORK AREA:

Protective equipment should be used during the following procedures:

  • Manufacture or formulation of this product.
  • Repair and maintenance of contaminated equipment.
  • Clean up of leaks and spills.
  • Any situation which may result in hazardous exposure.

Maintain adequate ventilation and wear a respirator or a dust mask to prevent inhalation. Wear suitable, protective clothing and safety glasses to prevent skin and eye irritation from dust. Maintain a sink, safety shower and eyewash fountain in the work area. Wash skin thoroughly after handling and before eating or smoking. Wash contaminated clothing separately before reuse.


Flowable Spills

Information taken from Fluid Spill SDS Sheet

SECTION 3 FIRE AND EXPLOSION DATA

PRIMARY HAZARD:

Flowable sulfur is not a fire or explosion hazard; however flowable sulfur that is allowed to dry and is then pulverized should be treated as sulfur dust. Sulfur dust suspended in air ignites easily, and can cause an explosion in confined areas. May be ignited by friction, static electricity, heat, sparks, or flames. Toxic gases will form upon combustion. Bulk/solid forms burn only at moderate rate, whereas dust burns with explosive violence.

SECTION 6 PRECAUTIONS FOR SAFE HANDLING AND USE

EXPLOSION HAZARD:

Avoid any conditions that might tend to create a dust explosion. Be careful not to create dust. Maintain good housekeeping practices to minimize dust build-up and dispersion. Eliminate sources of ignition. Keep away from heat, sparks and flames. Use nonferrous tools to reduce sparking. Sweep or shovel up spilled material using a natural fiber broom and/or aluminum shovel to prevent sparking. Maintain adequate ventilation in all areas.

SMALL or LARGE SPILLS:

No flares or flames in area. No smoking. Danger of dust explosion near sparks. Cover spill with absorbent material such as clay or sweeping compound. Sweep or shovel up spilled material using a natural fiber broom and/or aluminum shovel to prevent sparking. Place sweepings in an appropriate chemical waste container for reclaiming or disposal in an approved facility. Wash spill site after clean up is complete. Do not allow runoff to enter lakes or waterways. Absorb waste material and dispose of in method consistent with local environmental regulations. Wear protective clothing during clean up: safety glasses, rubber gloves, impervious clothing, dust mask or respirator.

SECTION 7 PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

WORK AREA:

Protective equipment should be used during the following procedures:

  • Manufacture or formulation of this product.
  • Repair and maintenance of contaminated equipment.
  • Clean up of leaks and spills.
  • Any situation which may result in hazardous exposure.

Maintain adequate ventilation and wear a respirator or a dust mask to prevent inhalation. Wear suitable, protective clothing and safety glasses to prevent skin and eye irritation from dust. Maintain a sink, safety shower and eyewash fountain in the work area. Wash skin thoroughly after handling and before eating or smoking. Wash contaminated clothing separately before reuse.


Emergency Response Guide 133


EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE: CHEMTREC 1-800-424-9300 (24 Hours)

Emergency only: (229) 563-2529

Corporate Office, Valdosta Georgia USA: phone (229) 244-0000 or (800) 234-7094

Bainbridge Georgia USA Manufacturing Plant: phone (229) 246-4552

Acton Ontario Canada Manufacturing Plant: phone (519) 853-0120

Freeport Texas USA Manufacturing Plant: phone (800) 234-7094 or (979) 233-3555

Mt. Pleasant Texas USA Manufacturing Plant: phone (800) 828-7857 or (903) 577-5500