CHLORINE HANDLING MANUAL
IM 25.000AA UA (B/6-00) PAGE 13
The chlorine container valve should be opened only slightly
during this phase of testing or preferably closed again after
pressurizing the system. The piping should be tested in the
smallest sections permitted by the existing valves to mini-
mize the discharge of chlorine through any leaks.
WARNING: IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT PROPER
BREATHING APPARATUS BE AVAILABLE BEFORE
CHLORINE IS ADMITTED TO ANY PIPING SYSTEM
OR EQUIPMENT. THIS APPARATUS WILL BE DIS-
CUSSED FURTHER UNDER “PERSONNEL
SAFETY”.
Chlorine leaks are best located using a dauber moistened
with commercial 26° Baume’ aqueous ammonia (household
ammonia is not strong enough) . A white cloud will be formed
at the site of any leak. A plastic squeeze bottle that directs
ammonia vapor, not liquid, at the joint being tested may also
be used.
When a leak is detected, the system must be depressurized
before corrective action is taken. The best method of depres-
surizing the system is through one of the chlorinators. At
least one chlorinator must be readily available for this pur-
pose before testing with chlorine begins.
5 PERSONNEL SAFETY
5.1 GENERAL
Proper consideration of personnel safety begins with the
provision of properly sized and arranged housing so that
operating personnel have adequate room to perform their
duties. It is preferable that any room used for chlorine storage
or equipment have two doors that open outward and that are
equipped with panic bars.
Rooms housing chlorination equipment, and chlorine con-
tainers that are “in service” or “in reserve”, should be heated
when the room temperature falls below 50° F. Comfortable
working temperatures of 65° to 75° F are recommended for
the chlorine equipment room. The temperature of the chlo-
rine container room (if separate) should normally be 5° to
10° F lower. All common methods of heating are acceptable,
provided that care is taken to prevent overheating of chlorine
containers. Radiators should not be located adjacent to con-
tainers. If space heaters are used, the warm air should be
deflected away from the containers. Outside windows should
be located or screened so that the rays of the sun do not fall
directly on chlorine containers.
Natural ventilation may be adequate for a small chlorinator
installation in a separate building when windows and doors
can provide cross circulation; however, ventilation by means
of a proper type electric fan is always recommended.
In all cases, installations must comply with appropriate regu-
lations.
5.2 HEALTH HAZARDS
Exposure to a sufficiently high concentration of chlorine can
result in difficulty in breathing and, if prolonged, finally
death through suffocation. Chlorine’s strong pungent odor
may result in detection at levels as low as 1.0 ppm and most
people will detect it by the time the concentration reaches 3.5
ppm. Concentrations of 5 ppm or more are so objectionable
that only those who are unconscious or trapped will normally
remain in the area. Increasing concentrations will produce
eye irritation, coughing, throat irritation, vomiting, and la-
bored breathing.
Even concentrations below the threshold of smell can result
in minor eye and throat irritation if the exposure is long
enough.
Liquid chlorine can cause burns and/or irritation when it is
in contact with the skin or eyes.
Medical attention should be obtained immediately for per-
sonnel who have sufficient exposure to result in any symp-
toms beyond minor irritation. Properly trained and equipped
first aid personnel are usually the first line of defense. While
waiting for their arrival, the exposed individual must be
removed to a safe area and be placed in a comfortable posi-
tion. If breathing has stopped, artificial respiration must be
started immediately. CPR administered by properly trained
personnel is required if the heart has stopped.
If the exposed individual has difficulty breathing, oxygen
should be administered only by those adequately trained in
the procedure and the equipment used.
The proper procedure for emergency treatment of clothing or
skin contaminated by chlorine is to flush the area with large
quantities of water under a shower for at least 15 minutes.
While still under the shower, affected clothing should be
removed. No medical treatment or neutralization of the chlo-
rine should be attempted except as directed by a physician.
Immediate flushing with tepid water should be administered
if even small quantities of chlorine enter the eye or if the eye
has been exposed to strong concentrations of chlorine. The
eyelids must be parted and thorough flushing continued for
at least 15 minutes. As mentioned previously for skin expo-
sure, no medical treatment or neutralization should be at-
tempted except as directed by a physician.
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