7. Emergency Procedures

7.2. Measures in the event of a release of styrene

7.2.1. Emergency Response Team

Fire fighting crews must take note of hazards unmatched by any other occupation and therefore must take note of the styrene specific hazards, i.e. flammability and explosion potential above 31°C.

A runaway reaction (uncontrolled polymerisation) may lead to violent eruption of vapour from vents and if these are plugged sufficient pressure can be created to rupture the container. For further information about styrene polymerization in storage please refer to Appendix 2.

Vapours are heavier than air and therefore safe distances must be maintained. Smoke may contain styrene in addition to unidentified toxic and irritating compounds and therefore requires the use of a self-contained breathing apparatus. For a comprehensive set of product data aspects and personal protection, see Safety Data Sheet and also Section 8.

7.2.2. ERICards

Emergency Response Intervention Cards are a set of emergency instructions that provide guidance on initial actions to be taken by fire brigades when they first arrive at the scene of a chemical accident. ERICard for styrene is attached in Appendix 8. (www.ericards.net).

7.2.3. Spills and Leaks

Because styrene is only slightly soluble in water and extremely flammable at ambient temperatures, spills and leaks require prompt response to minimise the risk of fire and/or explosion, as well as to limit fugitive emissions. The first thing to do is to try to plug the leak. Afterwards, a decision may be taken to transfer the styrene to another container.

Styrene is toxic to aquatic organisms and therefore entry into drains, sewers and watercourses must be prevented if at all possible.

Since flammability is the main hazard is, it is important to eliminate all sources of ignition in the area of the spill. Styrene vapour is invisible, heavier than air and spreads along the ground.

To limit the flammability, exposure and environmental hazards, every effort must be made to contain spilled material and the evaporating area restricted as much as possible by erecting a physical barrier around the spill. Therefore, in the engineering phase, a bund and optionally a remote emergency containment system should be provided for the storage tank and unloading station, to achieve a limited evaporation surface, better foam effectiveness and improved run-off control of contaminated fire and sprinkler water. Overflow of hydrocarbons from bunds due to addition of fire, water can be avoided by installing an underflow weir or siphon. Advise the Water Authority if spillage has entered a watercourse or external drainage system.

Spilled monomer can be removed safely by covering it with a suitable absorbing agent such as sand. However, some absorbing agents, such as untreated clays and micas, may cause an exothermic reaction, which could ignite the monomer. Absorbing agents should be tested for their effect on monomer polymerisation before they are used on large spills. If the spill is on a hard surface, the area should be scrubbed with soap and water after the bulk of the monomer has been removed. When spills occur within a bund confined area without an impervious base, water should be pumped into the area immediately. This will prevent the monomer from soaking into the ground and will allow it to be pumped off the water layer for later recovery.

7.2.4. Accidental Release

In the event of a significant spill of styrene, all non-essential personnel should be evacuated and all sources of ignition extinguished immediately. After the appropriate personal protective equipment has been issued, the spill can be covered with fire-fighting foam as quickly as possible to minimise emissions and the potential of fire hazards. The released liquid must then be recovered and transferred to sealable tanks or drums. Any remaining quantities of styrene should be absorbed into suitable materials such as sand and transported in closed drums to a suitable processing installation. The recommended method of disposal is by incineration.

Depending on the volume and location of the spill, it can be recovered by an inert padded vacuum truck or with solid sorbent and placed in appropriate containers for disposal. Spills into surface water may be cleaned up using a skimmer or vacuum system because styrene floats on water and tends to polymerise to form a surface film.

7.2.5 Drums leaks

Any leaking drum must be turned around so that the leak is at the top, thus preventing any further liquid from being released. Where the leak cannot be sealed on the spot, the leaking drum should be put into an oversized, preferably, plastic drum.

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