Introduction
Chlorine safety is a critical concern for workers in industries where this powerful chemical is used, including manufacturing, water treatment, and chemical production. While chlorine is essential for various processes, it poses significant health risks if not handled properly.
Chlorine Traits
Chlorine is a liquid or gas with a strong, irritating smell. Additionally, chloring has the following traits:
- Yellow-green gas under normal conditions
- Smells like bleach
- Dissolvable in water
- And, liquid when pressurized and kept cool
Chlorine is converted into a liquid for storage and transportation. When released, it rapidly transforms into a gas that stays close to the ground and spreads quickly.
Forms of Chlorine
There are several forms of chlorine, including the most common forms:
- Gaseous chlorine (Chlorine gas)
- Calcium hypochlorite (HTH; solid form of chlorine)
- And, sodium hypochlorite (Bleach)
Injury and Illness Risks
Even in minimal quantities, chlorine can cause serious, irreversible, and potentially fatal health effects to workers. While most injuries result from inhalation, exposure can also occur through ingestion or skin contact. There are different injuries, illnesses, and symptoms associated with chlorine exposure, including:
- Lung and respiratory illness
- Gastrointestinal symptoms
- Blood disorders
- Skin and eye irritation
- And, neurological damage
Preventative Measures
OSHA and NIOSH recommend employers provide their employees with training on the following:
- Hazardous Materials – Covering the proper handling, inspection, and storage of chlorine-containing products, in accordance with 29 CFR 1910 Subpart H
- Hazard Identification – To measure and monitor the hazard by identifying the exposure limit in parts per million (ppm). The Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of chlorine is 1 ppm for short-term exposures and 0.5 ppm for an 8-hour time-weighted average
- Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) – Compliant with OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) 1910.1200
- Guidelines on what not to mix with chlorine, such as acetylene, ether, turpentine, ammonia, hydrogen, and finely divided metals
- Chlorine Emergency Response Planning, or CHLOREP, which addresses all actions that need to be taken during a leak or spill
- And, eyewash fountains or drench facilities
Some states may have their own OSHA-approved state plans for chlorine handling, storage, and training requirements that exceed federal requirements.
First Aid
The health effects of chlorine exposure vary based on the type of exposure, such as inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact. Serious health effects can include severe airway or eye irritation, severe coughing or difficulty breathing, and pulmonary edema.
First aid measures vary based on the type of exposure, including:
- Ingested poisons – Do not induce vomiting, do not give anything by mouth, and wash poison off the mouth and face with water
- Inhaled poisons – Move the person or yourself to fresh air, loosen tight clothing, and consider using oxygen therapy if necessary
- And, absorbed poisons – Remove contaminated clothing and flush the skin with large amounts of running water
If symptoms worsen or continue, seek medical attention immediately. For immediate emergency assistance, contact the Regional Poison Control Center at 800-222-1222.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Given the risks of injury and illness, it is essential to wear the proper PPE when working with chlorine. The type of PPE required depends on the level of exposure to the hazard. Typically, the appropriate PPE to use includes:
- Respirators – The National Institute of Health (NIH) recommends a full-face, ABEK respirator that meets N95 standards
- Safety glasses, goggles, or face shield to prevent contact with splashed liquid
- Gloves that meet the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard for permeation of liquid and gases
- Protective clothing, such as coveralls and general work clothes
- And, boots with chemical resistance, equipped with a steel toe shank
For respirators, the Assigned Protection Factor (APF) of the respirator varies upon chlorine exposure, including:
- APF10 masks designed for exposures up to 5 PPM
- APF25 and APF50 masks designed for exposures up to 10 PPM
- And, APF10k masks designed for exposures over 10 PPM
Conclusion
Chlorine safety is paramount for protecting workers in environments where this hazardous chemical is present. By understanding the risks associated with chlorine exposure and implementing proper safety measures, employers can create a safer workplace.
For more information, OSHA provides a PDF with information on Chlorine in Workplace Atmospheres.