Sulfur

Guidance on Safe Use

First-aid measures

1. Preamble1.1. Indications on Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for the professional user about guidance on safe use of petroleum products, in all its aspects, should take into account that applicable legislation and general accepted practices for the management of industrial routine activities or emergencies, as well as company operating procedures, already compose a background which indicates which general actions are necessary/mandatory, advisable or unadvisable in such cases. An extensive recapitulation of all this background information will not necessarily add information value to a SDS, and may actually decrease the readability of the document, especially in an emergency.Therefore the indications meant for actual inclusion in SDSs can be focused (although not necessarily limited) to:- Product specific issues (i.e. special hazards or characteristics)- Key Actions (or group of actions) that are applicable in the specific case1.2. The actual level of detail of information and its phrasing in individual SDSs may reflect local or national conventions or requirements, or company policies, but without infringing on the consistency with the information submitted hereunder. Also, more stringent national or local legal requirements or conventions will take precedence over the guidance provided in this document.

2. Warning before intervention2.1. Solid sulfur is flammable.  Burning sulfur emits toxic and suffocating sulfur dioxide (SO2) 2.2. Finely dispersed particles form explosive mixtures in air2.3. Liquid sulphur may evolve sulphur dioxide (SO2) and toxic and  flammable hydrogen sulphide (H2S)2.4. Liquid sulfur can cause thermal burns.

3. Inhalation 3.1. Symptoms: May cause: shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing 3.2. Move to well-ventilated area. 3.3 Monitor for respiratory distress; administer oxygen and assist ventilation as required. 3.4 Check vital signs regularly and act accordingly. 3.5. If there is any suspicion of inhalation of SO2 or H2S:- Rescuers must wear breathing apparatus, belt and safety rope, and follow    rescue procedures.- Remove casualty to fresh air as quickly as possible.- Immediately begin artificial respiration if breathing has ceased.- Provision of oxygen may help.- Obtain medical advice for further treatment.

4. Skin Contact 4.1. Symptoms: (product at ambient temperature): skin irritation. 4.2. Remove contaminated, saturated clothing immediately.  4.3 Wash area with soap and water for 10 to 15 minutes.

5. Eye Contact 5.1. Symptoms: (product at ambient temperature): May cause mild eye irritation. 5.2. Remove contact lenses. 5.3 Irrigate exposed eyes with 0.9% normal saline if available or water for at least 15 minutes. 5.4 Irrigate before and after removing the lenses to prevent a carry-over of the substances to the shielded area of the lens.

6. Ingestion6.1. Symptoms: light laxative effect 6.2. Do not induce vomiting. Ask for medical assistance.

Fire-fighting measures

1. Product specific hazards and other issues1.1. Dust clouds may present an explosion hazard. They may be ignited by heat, sparks, static electricity or flames.1.2. The flames generated by the burning product are short, dark blue colored at night and invisible in the daylight, with the exception of the fume and the heat. The burning material acquires a dark red-black colour.2. Extinguishing Media - Foam (Specifically trained personnel only)- Water fog (Specifically trained personnel only)- Dry chemical powder- Carbon dioxide- Other inert gases (subject to regulations)- Sand or earth3. Unsuitable Extinguishing Media3.1. Do not use direct water jets on the burning product; they could cause a steam explosion and spread of the fire.3.2. Simultaneous use of foam and water on the same surface is to be avoided as water destroys the foam.4. Combustion Products4.1. Combustion products include sulphur oxides ( SO2 and SO3 ) and Hydrogen sulphide H2S.5. Protective Equipment for Firefighters5.1. In case of a large fire or in confined or poorly ventilated spaces wear full fire resistant protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) with a full face-piece operated in positive pressure mode.

Accidental release measures

1. Product-specific hazards and other issues: 1.1. Spillages of product in dust form may create a fire hazard and an explosive atmosphere.2. General information2.1. Stop or contain leak at the source, if safe to do so.  Avoid direct contact with released material.  Stay upwind. In case of large spillages, alert occupants in downwind areas.2.2. Keep non-involved personnel away from the area of spillage. Alert emergency personnel. Except in case of small spillages, the feasibility of any actions should always be assessed and advised, if possible, by a trained, competent person in charge of managing the emergency.2.3. Eliminate sources of ignition, if safe to do so (e.g. electricity, flares, fires, sparks).2.4. Prevent generation and spreading of dust2.5. When the presence of dangerous amounts of SO2 or H2S around the spilled product is suspected or proved, additional or special actions may be warranted, including access restrictions, use of special protection equipment, procedures and personnel training.2.6. If required, notify relevant authorities according to applicable regulations. 3. Personal protection equipments for emergency responders3.1. Small spillages: normal antistatic working clothes are usually adequate. Large spillages: full body suit of chemically resistant and antistatic material.3.2. Work gloves providing adequate chemical resistance. Note: gloves made of PVA are not water-resistant, and are not suitable for emergency use.3.3. Work helmet. Antistatic non-skid safety shoes or boots.3.4. Closed goggles. Face shield, if contact of hot product or vapours with eyes is possible or anticipated.3.5. If contact with molten product is possible or anticipated, all PPE items should be heat-resistant and thermally insulated.3.6. Respiratory protection: a half mask with dust filter, a full face respirator  with filter(s) for organic vapours/ SO2/H2S, or a Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) can be used according to the extent of spill and predictable amount of exposure. If the situation cannot be completely assessed, or if an oxygen deficiency is possible, only SCBA’s should be used.4. Land spillage4.1. Leaks and spillages may consist of molten hot material, with risk of severe burns.4.2. Prevent product from entering sewers, rivers or other bodies of water. Note: solidified product may clog drains and sewers.4.3. If necessary dike the molten product with earth, sand or similar non-combustible materials.4.4. Let molten material cool naturally. If necessary, cautiously use water fog to help the cooling. Do not play direct jets of foam or water on the spilled molten product, as this may cause splattering4.5. When inside buildings or confined spaces ensure adequate ventilation4.6. Collect free product with suitable mechanical means. Transfer collected product and other contaminated materials to suitable containers for recycle, recovery or safe disposal.5. Spillages in water or at sea5.1. In case of spillages in the water, the product will cool down rapidly and become solid. The product in solid form is heavier than water, and normally no intervention will be possible. Fine dust may momentarily float. If possible, control the spreading of the spillage, and collect the solid product by skimming or other suitable mechanical means.5.2. Do not use solvents or dispersants, unless specifically advised by an expert, and, if required, approved by local authorities.5.3. Collect recovered product and other materials in suitable tanks or containers for recovery or safe disposal6. Additional information6.1. Note: recommended measures are based on the most likely spillage scenarios for this material; however, local conditions (wind, air temperature, wave/current direction and speed) may significantly influence the choice of appropriate actions.  For this reason, local experts should be consulted when necessary.  Local regulations may also prescribe or limit actions to be taken.6.2. In those cases when the presence of dangerous amounts of SO2 or H2S around the spilled product is suspected or proved, additional or special actions may be warranted, including access restrictions, use of special equipment for detection and personal protection, procedures and personnel training.6.3. Spillages of limited amounts of products, especially in the open air when vapours will be usually quickly dispersed, are dynamic situations, which are unlikely to entail exposure to dangerous concentrations of SO2 or H2S.  As these gases have a density greater than ambient air, a possible exception may regard the build-up of dangerous concentrations in specific spots, like trenches, depressions or confined spaces. In all these circumstances, however, the correct actions should be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Handling and storage

1. General Information1.1. Risk of explosive mixtures of dusts and air. Ensure that all relevant regulations regarding explosive atmospheres, and handling and storage facilities of flammable products, are followed1.2. Keep away from sparks/open flames/hot surfaces. – No smoking.1.3. A specific assessment of inhalation risks from the presence of Sulfur dioxide (SO2) and/or hydrogen sulphide (H2S) in tank headspaces, confined spaces, product residue, tank waste and waste water, and unintentional releases must be made to help determine controls appropriate to local circumstances.1.4. Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area1.5. Avoid contact with the product, namely when in the molten form. 1.6. Avoid release to the environment.2. Handling2.1. Take precautionary measures against static electricity.2.2. Ground/bond container and receiving equipment2.3. Avoid splash filling of bulk volumes when handling hot liquid product2.4. Transfer equipment must be designed in a manner that minimizes the airborne dust. 2.5. Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Do not breathe dusts/vapours of hot product.2.6. Use personal protective equipment as required.2.7. For more information regarding protective equipment and operational conditions see exposure scenarios.3. Storage3.1. Storage area layout, tank design, equipment and operating procedures must comply with the relevant European, national or local legislation. 3.2. Concentrations of SO2 and/or H2S in silos, pits or tanks can reach hazardous values in case of prolonged storage, particularly where the sulphur is molten or recently solidified from the molten state. 3.3. Cleaning, inspection and maintenance of internal structure of storage equipments must be done only by properly equipped and qualified personnel as defined by national, local or company regulations.3.4. Before entering storage tanks and commencing any operation in a confined area, check the atmosphere for oxygen content,SO2,H2S and flammability. 3.5. Store separately from oxidising agents.4. Recommended and Unsuitable Materials for Storage4.1. Recommended materials: Liquid sulphur: carbon steel and concrete. Solid sulphur: carbon steel Acid-resistant internal coating is recommended for containments and storage spaces. Hulls of sea carriers for the transport of solid sulphur should be either coated or lime washed.Compatibility should be checked with the manufacturer4.2. Unsuitable materials: Some synthetic materials may be unsuitable for containers or container linings depending on the material specification and intended use. Compatibility should be checked with the manufacturer.5. Container AdviceIf the product is supplied in containers:5.1. Keep only in the original container, or in an suitable container for this kind of product. 5.2. Keep containers tightly closed and properly labelled.5.3. Empty containers may contain combustible product residues. Do not weld, solder, drill, cut or incinerate empty containers, unless they have been properly cleaned. 5.4. Harmful concentrations of SO2 and/or H2S may also arise especially in case of prolonged storage of heated product.6. Hygiene measures6.1. Ensure that proper housekeeping measures are in place.6.2. Contaminated materials should not be allowed to accumulate in the workplaces and should never be kept inside pockets.6.3. Keep away from food and beverages6.4. Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product6.5. Wash the hands thoroughly after handling6.6. Change contaminated clothes at the end of working shift.

Transport information

Land transport (UN RTDG/ADR/RID)

UN number:

a) UN 1350
b) UN 2448

Shipping information

Proper shipping name and description:

a) SULFUR
b) SULFUR, MOLTEN

Chemical name:

a) Sulfur or Sulfur, solid
b) Sulfur, molten or Sulfur liquid
See EC/CAS name listed in CONCAWE for this category

Language:

English

Labels:

a) 4.1
b) 4.1

Special provisions / remarks

Special provisions:

a) Special provision 242: Sulphur is not subject to the requirements of ADR when it has been formed to a specific shape (e.g. prills, granules, pellets, pastilles or flakes).
b) Special provision 538: For sulphur (in the solid state), see UN No. 1350

Inland waterway transport (UN RTDG/ADN(R))

UN number:

a) UN 1350
b) UN 2448

Shipping information

Proper shipping name and description:

a) SULPHUR
b) SULPHUR, MOLTEN

Chemical name:

a) Sulphur or Sulphur, solid
b) Sulphur, molten or Sulphur, liquid
See EC/CAS name listed in CONCAWE for this category

Language:

English

Labels:

a) 4.1
b) 4.1

Special provisions / remarks

Remarks:

ADN 2019 3.2 shows entry "B" in Table A, Column 8 "Carriage permitted": If column (8) contains c ode “B”, carriage is permitted in packages or in bulk (see 7.1.1.11).

Marine transport (UN RTDG/IMDG)

UN number:

a) 1350
b) 2448

Shipping information

Proper shipping name and description:

a) SULPHUR
b) SULPHUR, MOLTEN

Chemical name:

a) Sulphur or Sulphur, solid
b) Sulphur, molten or Sulphur, liquid
See EC/CAS name listed in CONCAWE for this category

Labels:

a) 4.1
b) 4.1

Special provisions / remarks

Remarks:

a) Special provision 242: Sulphur is not subject to the provisions of this Code when it has been formed to a specific shape (such as prills, granules, pellets, pastilles or flakes).
Special provision 967 Flexible bulk containers (BK3) are only permitted in accordance with 4 .3 .4 .
b) -

Air transport (UN RTDG/ICAO/IATA)

UN number:

a) 1350
b) 2448

Shipping information

Proper shipping name and description:

a) SULPHUR
b) SULPHUR, MOLTEN

Chemical name:

a) Sulphur or Sulphur, solid
b) Sulphur, molten or Sulphur, liquid
See EC/CAS name listed in CONCAWE for this category

Labels:

a) 4.1
b) 4.1

Special provisions / remarks

Remarks:

Please add "Special provisions" acc. to IATA here if existing

Additional transport information

Additional information

Special provisions / remarks / other:

To fulfill the requirements of dangerous goods transport, it is strongly advised to ask your local d angerous goods advisor. There might be regional or national regulations, which are not considered in this dossier.

Exposure controls / personal protection

Note: In this case the information in heading 8 is not required, according to Art. 14 (1) and (2), and Annex VI, Sect. 5.6 of the Regulation.(If applicable, substance registered as an isolated or transported intermediate). Please refer to the assessment report on Risk Management Measures in Section 13 which provides the required information on Strictly Controlled Conditions for the registration of this isolated/transported intermediate.