CHLORINE HANDLING MANUAL
IM 25.000AA UA (B/6-00) PAGE 15
sistance. In the United States this plan is activated through
CHEMTREC (toll free 800-4249300). In Canada, contact
CANUTEC (call collect 613-996-6666). These names and
numbers must also be posted prominently.
The person responsible for making any of the calls listed
above must be sure to give the agency contacted complete
details including facility name, address, telephone number,
and the names(s) of personnel to contact for further informa-
tion. The description of the emergency should include size of
container, corrective action already taken, local weather
conditions, injuries, proximity to populated areas, and direc-
tions for easiest access to the site.
It is vital that the emergency plan include use of the “buddy
system”, i.e., no personnel should be allowed to work alone
in an area with a chlorine leak even if the second person is
only standing by. As indicated earlier, all personnel not in-
volved in locating and correcting the leak should leave the
area travelling in a crosswind direction to an area that is
upwind and above the leak. Since it may not be possible for
all personnel to be equipped with respiratory equipment,
they should be instructed to use a wet cloth or handkerchief
over the nose and mouth while leaving the area.
Chlorine Institute Pamphlet 64, Emergency Control Plan-
ning Checklist for Chlorine Facilities, may be of assistance
in preparing the emergency plan. A Material Safety Data
Sheet for Chlorine, available from the Institute or the sup-
plier, should also be consulted.
No emergency plan should be implemented until it is re-
viewed by the chlorine supplier and the agency in the com-
munity having responsibility for hazardous material han-
dling and disposal.
If it is apparent that fire will threaten or is present in a
chlorine storage area, it is preferable to remove the contain-
ers. If this is not possible, the containers must be protected
from the heat of the fire by spraying them with water. Do not
spray water on any leaking container, however, since water
will react with the chlorine, forming acids that will make the
leak worse.
5.5 CHEMICAL DISPOSAL FACILITIES
Part of the planning for emergencies entails provision for
disposal of any released chlorine. In most cases little can be
done about the chlorine already released to the atmosphere
except to try to prevent its dissipation into areas where dam-
age to equipment and personnel will result.
At some large installations, scrubbers have been installed so
that areas containing chlorine or chlorine equipment can be
sealed off and the air removed to a process that will absorb
the chlorine. The design of such a system is complex and
should only be attempted by those thoroughly familiar with
the process.
Absorption systems have been provided at some facilities to
permit a leaking container to be emptied quickly if this is
deemed essential. One pound of chlorine can be absorbed by
1. 4 pounds of sodium hydroxide (caustic soda), 3.7 pounds
of sodium carbonate (soda ash), or 1.3 pounds of calcium
hydroxide (hydrated lime).
WARNING: TO AVOID SEVERE PERSONAL INJURY
WHEN USING CORROSIVE CHEMICALS, OBSERVE
ALL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS RECOMMENDED BY
THE CHEMICAL MANUFACTURER/ SUPPLIER.
In each case, one pound of the material should be dissolved
in one gallon of water. Lime will actually be suspended in,
rather than dissolved in, the water and requires constant
agitation.
The tank and other equipment provided for an absorption
system must be fabricated of materials suitable for the chemi-
cals involved.
Provision must be made for dissolving the chlorine in the
alkaline solution in such a way that the solution cannot be
sucked back into the container.
Actually the safest way of disposing of the chlorine in the
leaking container might be through the chlorination process,
particularly if the process can absorb the chlorine at higher
than normal rates without creating damage.
It is not generally permissible to ship a container damaged
by leak or fire if it contains chlorine. If for some reason this
seems necessary, the chlorine supplier must be contacted.
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