COAL TAR OIL, [LIGHT DISTILLATE]

Low-boiling liquid separated from coal tar by distillation. Contains benzene, toluene, xylenes, cumenes, coumarone and indene, among other substances. Colorless to yellow with a pleasant odor. Floats on water. Irritating vapor . Flash point is typically below 80° F

• Highly Flammable

Highly flammable.

HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks). Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers. Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard. Containers may explode when heated. Many liquids are lighter than water. Substance may be transported hot. If molten aluminum is involved, refer to GUIDE 169 below.

GUIDE 169: Substance is transported in molten form at a temperature above 705° C (1300° F). Violent reaction with water; contact may cause an explosion or may produce a flammable gas. Will ignite combustible materials (wood, paper, oil, debris, etc.). Contact with nitrates or other oxidizers may cause an explosion. Contact with containers or other materials, including cold, wet or dirty tools, may cause an explosion. Contact with concrete will cause spalling and small pops. (ERG, 2008)

Vapor causes slight irritation of nose and throat, smarting of eyes. Liquid may irritate skin on prolonged contact. (USCG, 1999)

COAL TAR OIL contains phenols, which react as weak organic acids and are incompatible with strong reducing substances such as hydrides, nitrides, alkali metals, and sulfides. Flammable gas (H2) is often generated, and the heat of the reaction may ignite the gas. Phenols also generate heat with bases. Such heating may initiate polymerization. Phenols are exothermically sulfonated very readily (for example, by concentrated sulfuric acid at room temperature) and are also nitrated very rapidly, even by dilute nitric acid. Nitrated phenols can explode when heated and form metal salts that may detonate when shocked.

• Phenols, Cresols
• Hydrocarbons, Aromatics

Fire Extinguishing Agents Not to Be Used: Water may be ineffective.Fire Extinguishing Agents: Dry chemical, foam, or carbon dioxide (USCG, 1999)

Keep sparks, flames, and other sources of ignition away. Keep material out of water sources and sewers. Build dikes to contain flow as necessary. Attempt to stop leak if without undue personnel hazard. Use water spray to knock-down vapors. Land spill: Dig a pit, pond, lagoon, holding area to contain liquid or solid material. Dike surface flow using soil, sand bags, foamed polyurethane, or foamed concrete. Absorb bulk liquid with fly ash, cement powder, or commercial sorbents. Water spill: Use natural barriers or oil spill control booms to limit spill travel. Remove trapped material with suction hoses.

Protective gloves; goggles or face shield. (USCG, 1999)

INGESTION: have victim drink water or milk; do NOT induce vomiting.

EYES: flush with water for at least 15 min.

SKIN: wipe off and wash with soap and water. (USCG, 1999)

• COAL TAR OIL, [FLAMMABLE LIQUID]
• LIGHT OIL
• OILS, MISCELLANEOUS: COAL TAR