Document 0LzX9vam832oaNeo6NZj9yLMM

MANUFACTURING CHEMISTS ASSOCIATION 1825 CONNECTICUT AVENUE. N. W* WASHINGTON. D. C 20009* (202) 463-6126 UJ^ UHL 17873 Safety and Fire Protection Committee Conference of Technical Representatives of Vinyl Chloride Monomer Manufacturers MCA Offices, Washington, D. C. January 14, 1970 PRESENT S. M. MacCutcheon (Chairman) M. M. Anderson H. D. Butter L. B. Crider R. L. Daniel D. L. Dowell W. 0. Harris W. M. Iliff G. Kitazawa A. L. Kling R. D. Kogler J. E. Newell R. E. Phillips G. M. Reed M. E. Sutherland T. G. Taylor B. M. Barackman (a.m. only) V. H. Peterson (a.m. only) F. G. Stephenson (Secretary The Dow Chemical Company Union Carbide Corporation Continental Oil Company B. F. Goodrich Chemical Company The Dow Chemical Company B. F. Goodrich Chemical Company Uniroyal, Inc. Uniroyal, Inc. Borden Inc./Chemical Division Society of the Plastics Industry Continental Oil Company Uniroyal, Inc. Ethyl Corporation Tenneco Chemicals, Inc. Union Carbide Corporation PPG Industries Manufacturing Chemists Association Manufacturing Chemists Association Manufacturing Chemists Association 1. Mr. S. M. MacCutcheon opened the meeting at 9:00 a.m. He congratulated the task groups on the energetic manner in which they had proceeded with their appointed tasks. 2. Task Group Reports I. Task Group A - Case Histories of Transportation Accidents Involving VCM Mr. Daniels reported that participating companies had submitted a number of case histories. It was agreed that these will be abridged and names of company employees eliminated before copies are reproduced for distribution by MCA. II. Task Group B - Handling of VCM Transportation Emergencies Mr. D. L. Dowell reported that the task group had held two meetings in New Orleans on November 7, 1969 and at MCA offices on January 13, 1970. Copies of the minutes of the January 13 meeting containing the task group's recommendations were distributed and reviewed in detail. An amended version (see attachment) was unanimously approved for inclusion 2. in the report on the overall activity to be submitted to the Safety and Fire Protection Committee. Mr. B. M. Barackman discussed legal implications of the recommendations. Continuation of the activities of Task Group B was approved. These activities will include: a. Evaluation and testing of safety valve closure kits. b. Completion of list of emergency phone numbers (see attachment) c. Consideration of maritime problems including a review of the MCA Water Information Card for VCM (see attachment). d. Consideration of industry standardization of VCM tank car domes and fittings. (NOTE: Any recommendation in this area would be processed through the MCA Transportation Equipment Cosmittee.) III. Task Group C - Products of Combustion of VCM Dr. L. B. Crider distributed copies of a draft report prepared by Task Group C on the combustion products of vinyl chloride monomer. URL 17874 The following conclusions were included in the report: "Phosgene is a very minor combustion product from VCM. Very small quantities of phosgene (40-200ppm) can be produced when VCM is burning under very specific conditions which involves premixing Jr (* ~ , of VCM with 02. Without premixing, no detectable amount of phosgene -r <w~k*~b** ^ k**tt*V . Li****^ "The detection of phosgene, in the presence of the gross quantity of HCl produced from the burning of VCM, is an extremely difficult analytical task. "When VCM is burned in the presence of air, an almost quantitative yield of HCl is obtained. The only other combustion products of any consequence are CO, CO2 and H2O. Under diffusion conditions, the combustion of VCM produces a very sooty flame. Approximately 10% of the available carbon is converted to carbon black. "A computer program has been developed that calculates a profile of combustion product concentrations at ground level at various dis tances from a VCM fire. Ten windspeeds from 2 to 35 mph are used. The turbulence of the air is also taken into account. The program selects at each of three atmospheric conditions, the maximum ground level concentration of the pollutant and the resulting windspeed at which this concentration took place. Using this windspeed, the program calculates a profile of pollutant concentration, at various distances, to a maximum of 20,000 ft. from the fire. URL 17875 3. "The results obtained from this program show that the burning of a single tank car of VCM (200,000#), under the most unfavorable conditions of atmosphere and wind, will produce a ground level concentration of HC1, above the MAC value (5 ppm), up to a dis tance of 10,000 ft. (approximately 2 miles). "From the data collected it appears that carbon monoxide should not be a cause for concern in the vicinity of burning vinyl chloride. Insufficient oxygen and large quantities of HC1 seem to be the chief hazards. Hazardous quantities of phosgene may be produced in the immediate vicinity of vinyl chloride fire. "The Drager tube, when equipped with a zinc scrubber tube, would be valuable for monitoring phosgene levels at the site of a vinyl chloride fire." It was agreed that Task Group C should a. Prepare a recommendation regarding necessary area evacuation in case of VCM transportation accidents involving more than one tank car. b. Complete the report. c. Prepare a non-technical article for possible release to trade magazines. 3. Next Meeting Mr. S. M. MacCutcheon stated that he would make a preliminary report to the Safety and Fire Protection Cosmittee at its meeting on January 26-27, 1970. He asked chairmen of the three task groups to keep in touch with him so that a further meeting can be called at an appropriate time. FGS:cm 1/22/70 Attachments: Minutes of Meeting of Task Group "B" List of Emergency Phone Numbers Water Information Card WIC-20 TASK GROUP MBM ON VINYL CHLORIDE MONOMER TRANSPORTATION SAFETY Minutes of January 13, 1970 Meeting The scheduled meeting of Task Group MB" was called to order by D. L. Dowell, Chairman, at 9:00 a.m., January 13, 1970 in the MCA Conference Room, Washington, D. C. The following members were present: H. D. Butter R. E. Phillips D. L. Dowe11 R. D. Kogler (for J. D. Little) T. G. Taylor P. M. Reed M. E. Sutherland Continental Oil Co. Ethyl Corporation B. F. Goodrich Chemical Monochem, Inc. PPG Industries Tenneco Hydrocarbon Union Carbide Corp. After introductions, Mr. Dowell stated that the purpose of the meeting is to review all aspects of the Task Group's activities and to formulate final recommendations to be presented to the general meeting on January 14. The minutes of the November 7, 1969 meeting were approved with the following corrections: 1. "Subgroup" to read "Task Group" throughout. URL 17876 2. Page 7, Item D (c) revised to read "Keep unofficial personnel away." A. Emergency Kits as Baggage Mr. Paul Reed's report on carrying an emergency kit on commercial airlines as baggage was received. There is no restriction other than the size and weight limits of 62" length plus width, and 70 lb., respectively. B. Safety Valve Emergency Closures The emergency closure devices prepared for use on ACF and Midland safety re* lief valves were reviewed in detail. Mr. Kogler noted that the top 0-rings of both types of valves could be re placed in the field, and in many cases valve seepage can thus be controlled. The proposed kit is intended to control more serious leakage. Monochem will revise the sketches to take into account the suggestions of the Task Group and will build a sample of each for field check. Ethyl will assist as needed. As-built drawings of a successfully tested unit will be sent to the members. The safety valve kits remain under development at this time. Problems exist in pluggage of safety valve housing drain holes, and the question of URL 17877 2. auxiliary pop valve or rupture disc on the kit, must be resolved. C. Report on Task Group MCM Studies on VCl Combustion No formal data on combustion products was available at this meeting. Dr. Crider is reported to have run computer simulations of 200,000 lb. of VCl under severe wind velocities. The results Indicate desirability of evacuating up to 12,000 ft., downwind. Charts will be made available. The only significant area for phosgene concentration is jit the fire. Work is underway on a Draeger tube detector. Final conclusion: DON'T WORRY ABOUT PHOSGENE. D. Recongnendations to General Meeting (These do not relate to the maritime environment.) 1. CONSENSUS #1 Spilled vinyl chloride should not be deliberately ignited. 2. CONSENSUS #2 A vinyl chloride fire should not be extinguished. Large volumes of water or fog can dissipate fumes. 3. Handling of Leaks See Bureau of Explosives Pamphlet 22. It constitutes recommended practice for derailments involving tank cars. A. No leaks This situation is usually competently handled by railroad personnel. It is noted here that the railroad's prime object is to reopen traffic and that railroad people are in charge. Shipper representa tives are only advisers. Proper procedures in handling vinyl chloride must be emphasized as the only means of expediting the clearing of the scene. B. Controllable leaks a. Small holes: Drive wooden plugs. b. Larger holes: Neoprene patch, bonded or chained to tank. c. Jagged holes are difficult to close. Special rigs should be left to the Judgment of the man at the scene. URL 17878 3. d. Ansul Purple K will extinguish a vinyl chloride fire but re ignition often occurs. Use around valves if it appears that a leak can be subsequently controlled. e. Safety relief valve kits are being developed by the Task Group. C. Uncontrollable leaks - no fire a. Evacuate and isolate area (see Task Group "C" report) b. Remove sources of Ignition. c. Control spread of vapors by water spray. D. Uncontrollable leaks - fire a. Evacuate and Isolate area. b. Keep adjacent cars cool, if possible, with monitor nozzle. c. Keep unofficial personnel away. d. Treat a non-burning tank car in vicinity of fire as if it is about to rupture. e. If vinyl chloride gets to a sewer, evacuate area and flush sewers with fire hoses. 4. Personnel at the Scene Personnel sent to an accident should be capable, knowledgable with VCM and not restricted by title. The individual should be at each company's option, but technical qualification is recomnended. It is suggested that MCA consider providing data for, or conducting a training course for police, railroad employees, etc. 5. Suggested Emergency Kit Contents Each company is responsible for the preparation of its emergency kit. The following are considered essential: a. Explosion meter b. Self-contained air supply .c Wood plugs and wood mallet (see B of E 22) d. Data sheet and pencil e. Camera and film f. Flashlight (Bureau of Mines approved) g- Rubber gloves h. Slicker suit i. Rubber overshoes j. Safety line (braided stainless, plastic: covered) and rescue harness k. Goggles .1 Safety hat xn. O-rings n. Strap wrench o. 10" adjustable wrench (spark resistant recommended) P- Screwdriver q. Ground continuity meter (Note: Anderson Co. - P5 Continuity Meter approved by UL) URL 17879 A. r. Safety relief valve kit s. Copies of: SD-56 Vinyl Chloride CC-46 Vinyl Chloride Bureau of Explosives Pamphlet 22 t. Take back-up man u. Avoid wearing woolen or nylon clothing v. Obtain pipe plugs from local sources 6. Spilled Vinyl Chloride Spilled vinyl chloride should not be deliberately ignited. 7. Recovery or Removal of Vinyl Chloride Depending upon circumstances and extent of car damage , vinyl chloride may be recoverable. a.. If car condition permits, transfer contents to empty tank car using inert gas. b., If car is ruptured, attempt to use pump with flooded suction. c,, If pumping is impractical, use water or oil to float out remainder of VCM. d. Fill empty tank car with water or nitrogen. e. If a vinyl-ice mixture forms, keep a water stream to the tank until it dissipates. f. Handling of vinyl chloride in a damaged car can be influenced by weather conditions. At low temperatures, since vaporization is re duced, patch tank, if possible, so that it can be moved. g. Before permitting the railroad crew to use a cutting torch, fill the tank with water; empty; steam the tank, if possible; then check with explosion meter. h. The railroad may be able to supply a water car, if advised to do so. 8. First Technical Contact Recommendations Recommendations depend upon the information received. Give fire/no fire advice and information on products of combustion: a. If burning - let it burn. Spray fog into fume area. b. If not burning - don't ignite. c. Never puncture a car. d. Evacuate and isolate area. (see Task Group "C" report) e. Clear area of ignition sources. f. Avoid concentrations of fumes or combustion products. URL 17880 5. g. Be sure Bureau of Explosives inspector has been contacted. h. Advise that a company representative is on the way with technical advice. Give name, if possible. i. Determine exact location of accident in terms of cities, highways, streets,etc. j. Find out proper railroad contact and phone number. 9. Press Releases The company representative at the scene must be guided by his company's policy. The following are suggestions: a. At the scene - refer the press to Bureau of Explosives Inspector. Be honest. b. Away from the scene - put uff concnent until company representative reports back. Be honest. c. If asked "where" or "when" - give answer, if known. d. If asked "how did it happen": do not give an answer, even speculative. This is the responsibility of the railroad representative. e. If asked "what are the burning products": mostly HC1 (muriatic acid) and carbon dioxide. f. If asked "what about phosgene": No danger. Traces, if present, will dissipate. g. If asked "what is vinyl chloride": colorless like water, unless frost forms; sweet odor; used to make ordinary vinyl plastics. 10. Cooperative Efforts Task Group "B" recommends the establishment of a mutual aid system for vinyl chloride accidents under the coordination of MCA. This system should see that the nearest qualified man gets to the scene as an adviser until the shipper's representative arrives. Corporate approval of this recoirmendatlon from the companies represented on Task Group "B11 is being sought by the members. The members are urged to submit their emergency phone numbers and statement of willingness to provide advice, to F. G. Stephenson. Current listing is attached to these minutes. 11. MCA Publications The Task Group suggests that the above recommendations be incorporated in revised editions of SD-56 and Chem-Card 46 on vinyl chloride. Objectives for Future Activities of Task Group 1. Complete the evaluation and test of safety valve closure kits. 2. Complete the submittal of emergency numbers to MCA. 3. Subject to approval of the General Meeting and MCA Staff Representative, consider maritime problems. 4. Consider industry standardization of VCl tank car domes and fittings, subject to MCA staff approval. v88tnan MANUFACTURING CHEMISTS ASSOCIATION Vinyl Chloride Monomer Manufacturers Transportation Emergency Telephone Numbers Borden Inc / Chemical Division 350 Madison Avenue - Room 601 New York, N. Y. 10017 Business hours: Non-business hours: 212 573-4396 203 322-4454 Continental Oil Company Petrochemical Department Park-Eighty Plara East Saddle Brook, N. J. 07662 Vinyl Chloride Monomer Plant, Lake Charles, La. 318 601 862-0554 369-8111 or 8112 or 8113 or 8114 Will participate in mutual assistance program The Dow Chemical Company Texas Division Freeport, Texas 77541 24 hours service 713 238-2112 Will participate in mutual assistance program B. F. Goodrich Chemical Company Calvert City, Kentucky Business hours: Non-business hours: 504 395-4151 504 443-7455 or 504 442-8555 Will participate in mutual assistance program Monochem Inc. P. 0* Box 488 Geismar, Louisiana 70734 24 hours service 504 348-6681 Ext. 151 V VCM Emergency Telephone Numbers PPG Industries Chemical Division P. 0. Box 1000 Lake Charles, La. 70601 318 882-1200 Will participate in mutual aid program Tenneco Chemicals Inc. Hydrocarbon Chemicals Division P. 0. Box 849 Pasadena, Texas 77501 24 hours service 713 479-3411 Tenneco Plastics Div. 609 386-9200 Ethyl Corporation 451 Florida St. Baton Rouge, La. 70801 504 344-7147 Will participate in mutual aid program Union Carbide Corporation Chemicals and Plastics Operation Div. South Charleston, W. Va. 304 744-3487 Will participate in mutual aid program