Canada chlorine emergencies

Regulatory requirements deal generally with preparation and response to chemical and other emergencies. This section is designed to provide additional information for use in chlorine emergencies. Help is also available from CHLOREP through CHEMTREC in the United States and through CANUTEC in Canada. 

The Coast Guards of Canada and the United States, each with its own added requirements, regulate barge transport of chlorine (P79). There is not yet a Coast Guard-defined procedure for emergency response plans, but training is covered in 29 CFR 1910.120. This also covers procedures, clean-up activities, and the use of personal protective equipment. Protective equipment is also the subject of Cl Pamphlet 65 and 29 CFR 1910.132-134. 

Chlorine was placed second in a priority list ranking of hazardous chemicals determined by the Emergencies Branch of Environment Canada (Fingas et al., 1991). Some of the criteria used in ranking chemicals are historical spill volume, supply volume, reported spUl frequencies, and toxicity, including persistence and bioaccumulation. This substance should therefore be of great concern. 

Description of hazard. Water plant operators and associated maintenance staff are often required to work with chlorine gas, ammonia, adds, bases, and other highly hazardous chemicals. Acddental releases of these chemicals have been reported by water treatment facilities across the United States and Canada. Such releases pose a significant threat to water operators and emergency responders. 

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