Safety of Handling

TB 703-2

solvent, may have a detrimental effect on collapsible

(5) Shake the bottle and its contents for 10 to

storage tanks when introduced in large and concentrated

15 seconds.

quantities and may cause a softening of the elastromer

(6) If a covert identification agent is present

material. When treating fuels in collapsible containers,

in the fuel sample being tested, the color of the

identification agents should be added slowly and at time

identification agent used (blue, red, yellow, orange,

fuel is being pumped or filled into the container. When

green, or purple) will appear in the lower layer of the

identification agents are added in this manner, the

bottle. If the lower layer is colorless, the fuel sample

resultant concentration will have no adverse effect on

being tested does not contain one of the covert

the collapsible container.

identification agents. Test results of fuel samples in

c. The extractant agent is not flammable but

which identification agents have been added are

should be handled with normal precautions associated in

illustrated in figure 1.

handling most chemicals, otherwise, the same handling

(7) Because identification agents have a

precautions should be followed with the extractant agent

residual characteristic, all test equipment should be

as stated above for the covert identification agent.

thoroughly cleaned after each test when test revealed

8. Security. a. This bulletin and information contained

positive presence of an identification agent. To insure

herein should be controlled inasmuch as identification

that equipment does not contain residual identification

agents in petroleum products may be chemically

agents, a determination using unmarked fuel should be

neutralized or compromised by insertion of other colored

made prior to conducting tests.

dyes. Only those individuals directly involved in the

7. Safety of Handling. a. Covert identification agents

treatment and detection of covert marked fuels and

are provided in a solution of benzene. As such, these

instructions therefor, should be given access to this

solutions are flammable. The identification agents may

bulletin and the identification and extractant agents

cause irritation or allergic skin sensitization of some

listed in Table 1.

individuals and contact should be avoided.

b. The identification and extractant agents should

accidentally spilled on the skin or clothing, wash off

be stored in an enclosed locked area for sensitive items,

promptly with soap and water. Avoid contact with the

affording maximum security reasonably available for

eyes. Do not take internally. Inhalation of benzene

such material and accessable to a minimum of

vapors is injurious and also should be avoided.

personnel.

b. Identification agents, because of the benzene