What procedure is recommended to seal a leak in a damaged liquid oxygen container?

The recommended procedure for sealing a leak in a damaged liquid oxygen container involves spraying water until it freezes to seal the leak. This approach is based on the properties of liquid oxygen and the behavior of its materials during a leak.

When liquid oxygen is present, it can create a highly flammable environment due to its ability to support combustion. By spraying water, the intention is to rapidly cool the area around the leak. As the temperature decreases, the moisture can freeze upon contact with the extremely cold surfaces, forming an ice seal that can temporarily stop or reduce the leak. This method harnesses the principle of using extreme cold to create a physical barrier, minimizing the risk of vaporization and subsequent combustion of the oxygen.

In contrast, other methods like smothering the fire with sand or using AFFF (Aqueous Film Forming Foam) are not appropriate for managing liquid oxygen leaks, as these do not effectively address the unique risks presented by the material. Additionally, creating a secondary blast could exacerbate the situation rather than contain the leak. This understanding of the properties of liquid oxygen and appropriate emergency response procedures is vital for ensuring safety in incidents involving hazardous materials.