Page 7 of 11

March 2014

Protimeter Speedy

4.

First Aid Measures

Acute poisoning due to handling of calcium carbide is unlikely to occur if usual safety precautions are taken.

Skin:

Remove contaminated clothes immediately. Flush exposed skin abundantly with clean water and

cover with sterile compress (do not use compress for burns).

Eyes:

Flush abundantly with clean water for at least 15 minutes forcing the eye-lids open.

Immediate transport to hospital or eye specialist.

Inhalation:

By poisoning caused by inhalation of phosphine (and arsine) gas from moist calcium carbide:

remove the victim from the source of exposure as quickly as possible. Usual first aid: rest, warmth,

fresh air,.

By unconsciousness: Loosen tight-fitting clothes, place the body in a stable, lateral position.

By breathing difficulties: Give oxygen.

By breathing arrest: Artificial respiration.

By heart arrest: External heart compression.

Immediate transport to hospital preferably under administration of oxygen.

Ingestion:

Not relevant.

5.

Fire-Fighting Measures

Dry calcium carbide is not inflammable. Contact with humidity and water liberates acetylene gas which is highly

inflammable and can form explosive mixtures with air. The gas is lighter than air.

Fire extinction:

Small fires: Dry powder, lime or dry sand.

Large fires: Withdraw from area and let fire burn.

Do not use:

Water or foam.

Protective measures: If staying in atmosphere containing acetylene is unavoidable, be aware of the high risk of explosion

and wear self-containing breathing equipment.

6.

Accidental Release Measures

Be aware of the possibility of acetylene gas formation on contact with humid atmospheres or water.

Shut off ignition sources.

Stay upwind.

Keep people and animals away from the polluted area.

Removal: Collect material in suitable containers which must not be tightly closed. Protect the

spilled material from contact with water and do not allow it to enter water courses.

Water contamination: Calcium Carbide should not be let into the sea, lakes, rivers etc. By the reaction with water alkaline

calcium hydroxide is formed which is harmful to fish and marine organisms. Observe possible national/international

pollution regulations.

Contamination of streets and the environments: Proceed as described previously. Evacuate the polluted area. Material

remaining after collection must not be dumped into the public sewer.

In case of spillage affecting the environment, consult the authorities (pollution agency etc.) according to local regulations

and rules. By serious accidents, inform the authorities concerned.

See also Sections 8, 12 and 13