AMMUNITION, INCENDIARY, WHITE PHOSPHORUS WITH BURSTER, EXPELLING CHARGE OR PROPELLING CHARGE

Fixed ammunition consisting of a cartridge case containing a propelling charge, a primer and a projectile containing white phosphorus and a burster. Shipped fuzed or unfuzed. May explode under prolonged exposure to heat or fire. Primary hazard is flying projectiles or fragments, not blast of an instantaneous explosion.

• Explosive
• Strong Reducing Agent
• Air-Reactive

When exposed to air emits a green light and gives off white fumes. Ignites at 30°C in moist air, higher temperatures are required for ignition in dry air [Merck 11th ed. 1989]. The reactivity of phosphorus with oxygen or air depends on the allotrope of phosphorus involved and the conditions of contact, white (yellow) phosphorus being by far more reactive. White phosphorus readily ignites in air if warmed, finely divided, or under conditions where the slow oxidative isotherm cannot be dissipated. Contact with finely divided charcoal or lampblack promotes ignition, probably by the absorbed oxygen. Contact with amalgamated aluminum also promotes ignition [Mellor 1940 and 1971].

Excerpt from 112 [Explosives* - Division 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 or 1.5]:

MAY EXPLODE AND THROW FRAGMENTS 1600 METERS (1 MILE) OR MORE IF FIRE REACHES CARGO. For information on "Compatibility Group" letters, refer to Glossary section. (ERG, 2020)

Excerpt from 112 [Explosives* - Division 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 or 1.5]:

Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. (ERG, 2020)

AMMUNITION, INCENDIARY, WHITE PHOSPHORUS WITH BURSTER, EXPELLING CHARGE OR PROPELLING CHARGE contains various quantities of phosphorus. Bromine trifluoride reacts with phosphorus incandescently at ambient temperatures [Mellor 2:113. 1946-47]. Bromoazide explodes on contact with antimony, arsenic, phosphorus, silver foil, or sodium. Red phosphorus reacts in the cold with selenium oxychloride evolving light and heat; white phosphorus reacts explosively [Mellor 10:906. 1946-47]. When thorium is heated with phosphorus, they unite with incandescence [Svenska Akad. 1829. p. 1].

• Reducing Agents, Strong

No information available.

Excerpt from 112 [Explosives* - Division 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 or 1.5]:

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area immediately for at least 500 meters (1/3 mile) in all directions.

LARGE SPILL: Consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions.

FIRE: If rail car or trailer is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions; also, initiate evacuation including emergency responders for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2020)

Excerpt from 112 [Explosives* - Division 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 or 1.5]:

CARGO FIRE: DO NOT fight fire when fire reaches cargo! Cargo may EXPLODE! Stop all traffic and clear the area for at least 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions and let burn. Do not move cargo or vehicle if cargo has been exposed to heat.

TIRE OR VEHICLE FIRE: Use plenty of water - FLOOD it! If water is not available, use CO2, dry chemical or dirt. If possible, and WITHOUT RISK, use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles from maximum distance to prevent fire from spreading to cargo area. Pay special attention to tire fires as re-ignition may occur. Stand by, at a safe distance, with extinguisher ready for possible re-ignition. (ERG, 2020)

Excerpt from 112 [Explosives* - Division 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 or 1.5]:

ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. All equipment used when handling the product must be grounded. Do not touch or walk through spilled material. DO NOT OPERATE RADIO TRANSMITTERS WITHIN 100 METERS (330 FEET) OF ELECTRIC DETONATORS. DO NOT CLEAN-UP OR DISPOSE OF, EXCEPT UNDER SUPERVISION OF A SPECIALIST. (ERG, 2020)

Excerpt from ERG Guide 112 [Explosives* - Division 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 or 1.5]:

Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides thermal protection but only limited chemical protection. (ERG, 2020)

No information available.

Excerpt from 112 [Explosives* - Division 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 or 1.5]:

Call 911 or emergency medical service. Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved and take precautions to protect themselves. Move victim to fresh air if it can be done safely. Give artificial respiration if victim is not breathing. Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult. Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes. In case of contact with substance, immediately flush skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes. (ERG, 2020)

• AMMUNITION, INCENDIARY, WHITE PHOSPHORUS WITH BURSTER, EXPELLING CHARGE OR PROPELLING CHARGE