Risk of explosion and poisoning - AS05.30-Z-0001-01A

Do not open sodium-filled valves. Wear protective gloves and safety glasses when handling damaged valves. 

Exhaust valves filled with sodium 

Potential risks 

Risk of explosion 

Explosion may occur when melting down sodium-filled valves. Sodium has a very low self-ignition temperature (121 °C) and may spontaneously ignite in moist air.

Improper disposal may lead to fires due to moisture in scrap containers.

Risk of poisoning 

The inhalation of toxic vapors causes severe irritation, shortness of breath, headaches, nausea and vomiting.

Risk of injury 

Leaked sodium that comes into contact with moist body tissue (perspiration on hands, tears) may undergo a severe, explosive reaction and generate heat. This may lead to skin irritation and burns, and to corneal damage with possible blinding.

Safety instructions/precautions 

• Keep water and sources of heat and ignition away from sodium.
• When handling damaged, sodium-filled valves, wear suitable protective gloves and safety glasses, if necessary.
• Never machine sodium-filled valves.
• Do not open sodium-filled valves.
• Observe all additional safety requirements and regulations in your country.

First aid measures 

Skin and eye contact

• Remove sodium, treat the injured area with an oily solution, e.g. Biseptol and consult a physician.

Ingestion

• Do not give the affected person anything to drink, consult a physician.

Vapor inhalation

• Move the victim out of the risk area.
• If victim has the urge to vomit, give him/her oxygen.
• In the event of respiratory failure, administer artificial respiration and notify a physician.