Detailed instructions for Emergency Response can be found in NFPA 484 Chapter 6. Key issues to be addressed for Emergency Response can be found in Section 170 of the Emergency Response Guide (ERG). Producers, users of titanium and first responders should consider the guidance described in those documents.
PRIMARY CONSIDERATIONS FOR EMERGENCY RESPONSE CAN BE SUMMARIZED AS FOLLOWS
NO WATER NO CO2
- Water in contact with molten titanium will result in violent steam and hydrogen explosions and reactions. Water will disassociate to its base compounds of hydrogen and oxygen. You are potentially adding the equivalent of .43 gallons of gasoline for every gallon of water applied to a titanium fire.
- Co2 will disassociate to its base compounds and create reactions.
- Clean agents such HFC 227 ea, FK-5-1-12, HFC-125 are not effective and may result in hazardous byproducts and exposures by decomposition.
- Large fires are impossible to extinguish. Isolate the burning titanium material as much as possible, if it can be done safely.
- Protection of exposures with water streams can be considered, if adequate review is conducted and adequate drainage is present to ensure contact of water with the burning titanium will not occur.
- Let the fire burn out naturally to minimize the hazards to personnel and loss to exposures.