Allow only reliable and trained personnel to handle chlorine.
Handle containers carefully to avoid dropping or bumping them.
Avoid hoisting containers as much as possible; when hoisting is necessary, use safe lifting clamps.
Store cylinders in a cool place, away from dampness, steam lines and fire, and in an upright position secured from tilting and falling.
Keep protective valve caps on containers when not in use; never tamper with safety devices on containers.
Never connect a full cylinder to a manifold with another cylinder, unless temperatures of both are nearly the same.
When not withdrawing chlorine or when cylinders are empty, keep the valves closed.
Disconnect the valves as soon as the containers are empty, and check for chlorine leaks at the valve outlets. Test for leaks by passing an opened bottle of strong ammonia solution around the valve. White fumes of ammonium chloride will appear if there is any leakage. Leaks around fittings, connections, and lines can be detected in the same way. Do not apply ammonia solution to plated metal parts because it will remove the plating.
When chlorine is noticed, workers should avoid panic, refrain from coughing, keep the mouth closed, avoid deep breathing, keep the head high, and get out of the affected area. Only qualified personnel with suitable respiratory equipment will be assigned to investigate and correct the cause of chlorine leaks. When chlorine is being discharged, close the container valve immediately. When chlorine is escaping in liquid form, turn the containers so the chlorine escapes as gas, which will reduce leakage. Do not apply water to the leak; this dangerous practice causes corrosion that may increase the leakage. Electronic chlorine gas detectors are widely used in water plants today.
The handling of a persistent chlorine leak in a plant is best left to the chlorine supplier.
Never apply a flame, blowtorch, or other direct heat to chlorine containers; discharge them in a room with a temperature of about 70F.
Never ship a defective or leaky cylinder unless it is completely empty. Paint Defective plainly on all such cylinders.
Follow all regulations on shipping, storing, and using compressed gas cyl inders.
Provide proper means of exit from areas where chlorine is stored or used.
Never use a chlorine cylinder except to hold chlorine gas.
First Aid for Chlorine Poisoning
Should any of the plant personnel become affected by chlorine gas or be overcome by its action, the steps for providing the victim first aid are as follows:
1. Remove the affected person at once to open air and away from gas fumes.
2. Call a physician.
3. Place the patient flat on the back with the head slightly elevated. Keep the patient warm and calm.
4. If conscious, give the patient one-half teaspoonful of essence of peppermint or a moderate stimulant. Do NOT give milk, as milk or cream will usually curdle in the stomach and cause vomiting which adds to the discomfort of the patient.
5. If able, the person affected should try not to cough.
6. If the patient is unconscious and not breathing, apply artificial respiration.
For almost any chemical spillage on personnel, quick, thorough, and continued flooding of the affected body area with water is the best general first- aid measure. Call a medical officer for chemical bums, and ALWAYS for eyes affected by the accident.
HANDLING LIME
Operators must be particularly attentive to the commonsense rules of good housekeeping in handling lime. This chemical should be carefully stored in a dry area.
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