Chemical Symbols, Hazards and Actions



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Full Protective Clothing

Set 1 (Red)

(Note 1)

Nerve and Blister Agents (K)

(Note 4)

Highly toxic as aerosol and vapor
1. Evacuate public 2 miles downwind or 1 mile upwind or to the sides.

2. Use munitions decontamination procedures.

3. If explosion does not occur, approach from upwind and extinguish fire.


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Full Protective Clothing

Set 2 (Yellow)

(Note 2)

Riot Control and Smokes (G) Incapacitating Agents (K) Toxic as aerosol and vapor
1. Approach from upwind and extinguish fire.

2. Decontamination may be required.


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Full Protective Clothing

Set 3 (White)

(Note 3)

TEA and TPA Smoke (L) Spontaneously flammable
1. Do not look at burning material.

2. Do not use water.


Full Protective Clothing

Set 3 (White)

White Phosphorus and White Phosphorus Plasticized (H) Spontaneously flammable when exposed to air
1. Post fire guard until leaking phosphorus has been removed.

2. After removal of agents, post fire guard for 2 days for possible re-ignition.

3. Use putty knife to remove small amounts, then use blowtorch to burn off remainder.


Full Protective Clothing

Set 3 (White)

Napalm Mass Fire
1. Fight as POL fire.

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Wear Breathing Apparatus HC Smoke (G) High concentrations of smoke
1. Do not use water.

Wear Breathing Apparatus Incendiary and Pyrotechnic Material (G) Burns with extremely high temperature
1. Do not use water.

2. Do not look at burning material.


Wear Breathing Apparatus Napalm (J) Mass Fire
1. Fight fire as POL fire.

Wear Breathing Apparatus Isobutyl methacrylate with (J) Burns with extremely high temperature
1. Prevent spread of fire.

2. Smother incipient fires with dry chemical from portable fire extinguisher or cover with sand.


Wear Breathing Apparatus Signaling Smokes (G) High concentrations of smoke
1. Prevent spread of fire.

2. Smother incipient fires with dry chemical from portable fire extinguisher or cover with sand.


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Apply No Water HC Smoke (G) High concentrations of smoke
1. Do not use water.

Apply No Water Incendiary and Pyrotechnic Material (G) Burns with extremely high temperature
1. Do not use water.

2. Do not look at burning material.


Apply No Water TEA and TPA Smoke (L) Spontaneously flammable
1. Do not look at burning material.

2. Do not use water.


Apply No Water Napalm (J) Mass Fire
1. Fight fire as POL fire.

Note 1. Set 1 consists of gas mask, M9 series; butyl impermeable suit (coveralls, hood, gloves, fireman's boots and boot covers.) The chemical warfare defense ensemble with M17 series mask may be substituted where contact with liquid agent is highly improbable.

Note 2. Set 2 consists of gas mask, M9 or M17 series; coveralls; protective gloves. Firefighting protective clothing and equipment may be used.

Note 3. Set 3 consists of flame retardant coveralls; flame-resistant gloves; gas mask, M9 or M17 series. Used primarily with white phosphorus and triethylaluminum. Firefighting protective clothing and equipment may be used.

Note 4. Toxic chemicals agents without explosive components that normally would be assigned to Class/Division 6.1 may be stored as compatibility group K.

Note 5. See NAVSEA SW020-AC-SAF-010, paragraph 2-2.3.