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2.2.1 Single EU emergency call number
112 is the single emergency call number for the European Union. It was established by Council Decision on 29 July 1991. This decision ensures that European citizens in distress situations can call 112 and get assistance through the emergency services in all Member States. Thus, anyone travelling within the Union will have to remember only one number and this guarantees quicker and more efficient intervention.
In some areas, the traditional fire brigade, police and ambulance numbers are still valid. However, the 112 number can also do the same job.
In most countries, the organisation behind Emergency Call Number 112 is capable of arranging all kinds of emergency services, including response to environmental incidents of any magnitude.
The National Emergency Call Centres (112) also have access to industry and transportation emergency response networks, i.e. they are well connected and effective.
Due to the practical experience of Emergency Response personnel, they are also an excellent source of information and contacts with the appropriate authorities and even consultants.
2.2.2 Links to MSDS, Product Safety Bulletin
The following links open the MSDSs (Material Safety Data Sheets) for
MTBE (Guidance document) (appendix no.11.pdf)
MTBE (Lyondell) (appendix no. 12.pdf)
MTBE Product Safety Bulletin
MTBE is a volatile, highly flammable, slightly water soluble, liquid petrochemical with some harmful characteristics. It must therefore be handled as any other such petrochemical - with respect. In many characteristics, it is very similar to gasoline.
appendix no. 10.pdf is the content list of a safety handbook on MTBE, its technical and physico-chemical data, installations required for proper storing, loading and general handling of MTBE, emergency response instructions, etc. The instructions are also applicable to MTBE blended gasoline.
2.2.3 Steps in emergency response
Note : The above described MTBE Material Safety Bulletin, Appendix 10, contains detailed information on MTBE's hazardous properties and basics in Emergency Procedures.
In the event of an accidental and serious release of gasoline with or without MTBE, several actions will be required.
Firstly, the authorities will have to be notified as soon as possible. In the meantime, the standard operating procedures of the afflicted organisation or company will come into force. Most countries require both companies and towns to have a local emergency response plan. Should an organisation not have such plans and procedures in place, the following basic safety precautions apply to any major spill or transportation incident involving chemicals.
Note: If there is a potential soil or groundwater contamination risk, contact a competent consultant immediately.
Approach cautiously from upwind
Resist the urge to rush in until the situation has been fully assessed. Do not walk into or touch spilled material. Avoid inhalation of fumes, smoke and vapours.
Secure the scene
Isolate the area; ensure the safety of people and the environment; keep people away from the scene and outside the safety perimeter; allow room to move and remove equipment.
Identify the hazards
Use placards, container labels, shipping documents, MSDSs, TREM cards and/or knowledgeable persons at the scene. Evaluate all available information and consult the recommended guides to reduce immediate risks.
Assess the situation
Consider the following:
Is there a fire, a spill or a leak?
What are the weather conditions?
What is the terrain like?
Who/what is at risk: people, property or the environment?
What actions should be taken, e.g. evacuation, dyking?
What resources (human, equipment) are required, and are they readily available?
What can be done immediately?
Obtain help
Advise your headquarters to notify responsible agencies and call for assistance from qualified personnel. Ensure that local fire and police departments have been notified. Before calling, have the following information to hand:
Contact names and telephone numbers
Location and nature of problem
Name and identification number of material(s) involved
Shipper/consignee/point of origin
Carrier name/truck number
Container type and size
Quantity of material transported/released
Local conditions (weather, terrain, proximity to houses, waterways, etc)
Injuries and exposures
Decide on site entry
Enter the area only when wearing appropriate protective gear: efforts to rescue people, protect property or the environment will fail if you become part of the problem.
Respond appropriately
Establish a command post and lines of communication. Rescue casualties if possible and evacuate if necessary. Maintain control of the site. Continually reassess the situation and modify the response accordingly.
2.2.4 First Aid
The website below leads to the "GESTIS data base on hazardous substances" of the German Berufsgenossenschaften (German insitutions for statutory accident insurance and prevention). This site contains easy-to-find First Aid information of paramedic personnel and doctors on a wide variety of products, including MTBE http://biade.itrust.de/biaen/lpext.dll?f=templates&fn=main-h.html
This is the English search page. If you enter the CAS-No. 1634-04-4 you get access to a screen where you can choose information for MTBE. Click there you arrive at the General information page about MTBE "Identification". At the bottom of this page you can click on several subchapters, e.g. occupational health and First Aid information.
See also the individual MSDSs in the chapter above.
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