Chlorine Emergency Response Planning

Figure 6 Cloud footprint to an atmospheric concentration of 20 ppm resulting from the rupture of a 50-mm-diameter chlorine pipe containing either chlorine liquid or chlorine vapor. Release conditions Complete rupture of pipe without shutoff, pipe elevation is 5 m above grade, wind speed is 5 m/sec, atmospheric stability class D, 20 ppm is the Emergency Response Planning Guideline-3 (ERPG-3) concentration for chlorine, the concentration at which life-threatening effects might result from exposure for 1 hour.

Gudiksen, R et al., Emergency Response Planning for Potential Accidental Liquid Chlorine Releases, U.S. Department of Energy, Washington, DC, 1986. 

AIHA (American Industrial Hygiene Association) (1997). Emergency Response Planning Guidelines, Chlorine. AIHA, Akron, OH. 

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. 

Emergency Response Planning Guideline, Chlorine, American Industrial Hygiene Association, 2700 Prosperity Avenue, Suite 250, Fairfax, VA 22031. 

The Chlorine Institute has released pamphlets and recommendations covering all aspects of safety, e.g., first aid [258], emergency response plans [259], protective equipment [260], prevention of injuries to personnel [261], prevention of chlorine releases [262], and estimating the area affected by a chlorine release [263]. Emergency kits have been developed for sealing leaks in chlorine containers, drums, and tank cars [264],... 

The Chlorine Institute, Pamphlet 64, "Emergency Response Plans for Chlorine Facilities , Ed. 4. November 1995. 

The selection of liquid sodium hypochlorite rather than chlorine gas is often based on actual or potential costs to address safety issues. The Uniform Fire Code and (DSHA requirements often increase the cost of using chlorine gas. Depending on a number of factors, gas containment and neutralization scrubbers may be needed. Also, there may be limits to storage inventory that require more frequent deliveries. Extensive emergency response plans may include elaborate evacuation plans and alert systems. 

For the chlor-alkali industry, an emergency preparedness and response plan is mandatory for potential uncontrolled chlorine and other releases. Carbon tetrachloride is sometimes used to scrub nitrogen trichloride (formed in the process) and to maintain its levels below 4% to avoid fire and explosion. Substitutes for carbon tetrachloride may have to be used, as the use of carbon tetrachloride may be banned in the near future due to its carcinogenicity. 

CHLOREP Chlorine Emergency Plan operated by the Chlorine Instimte. A 24-honr mutual-aid program. Response is activated by a CHEMTREC call to the designated CHLOREP s geographical-sector assignments for teams. 

DOT and TC require that any person who offers chlorine or any hazardous materials for transportation must provide a staffed 24 hour emergency response telephone number, which can be called in the event of an emergency involving chlorine. For emergencies involving the transportation of chlorine, the Chlorine Institute s CHLOREP, the Chlorine Emergency Plan, can provide assistance. 

Emergency Measures. An emergency plan for chlorine is essential. This should include a procedure for the training of personnel who could become involved and periodic drills to review the response. Assistance is available to help in emergencies, but the first action must be taken by the people on scene. 

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