Wood preservation facilities, alkaline copper quaternary: chapter G-12

12. Environmental Emergency Notification and Contingency Planning

Preparedness for emergencies is essential in any wood preservation facility. Hence, facilities using ACQ should prepare detailed contingency plans and have them readily available to ensure that response to spills and fires is quick, safe and effective. It is recommended that the individual facility plans be filed with the authorities that have jurisdiction over the facility.

12.1 Environmental Emergency Notification

Please refer to Section 12.1 of Part I, Chapter A - General Recommendations for All Wood Preservatives.

12.2 Spill Contingency Planning

Please refer to Section 12.2 of Part I, Chapter A - General Recommendations for All Wood Preservatives.

The following recommendations apply to ACQ facilities if a spill of a solvent, liquid ingredient or ACQ solution occurs:

• Immediately put on appropriate NIOSH-approved respirators, (NIOSH-approved respirators should be equipped with high-efficiency filter cartridges in combination for acid gas and ammonia with a P100 prefilter).
• Always stay upwind to avoid potential exposure to fumes.
• For ammonia spills use water spray to knock down vapours.
• If tanks other than normal work tanks are used for salvage purposes, ensure compatibility of materials, i.e., do not use galvanized or aluminium tanks because of the corrosiveness of ammonia.

12.3 Fire Contingency Planning

Although the components and solutions of ACQ are not flammable, precautions should be taken in the event that a fire occurs. Gases could be released from the preservative materials if heated, and mixtures of ammonia and air in enclosed spaces with an ignition source could be explosive.

The use of water blankets and water spray to suppress toxic gases and to keep oxidizable materials at temperatures below that for ignition are additional recommendations that could be considered.

Please refer to the National Fire Code of Canada (always refer to last version available) (29) and to Section 12.3 of Part I, Chapter A - General Recommendations for All Wood Preservatives. A copy of the fire contingency plant and all necessary documents should be stored in a fire proof box outside the entrance to the facility.