- CHEMICAL DANGERS:
- In water, chlorine is a strong acid, corrosive, and an oxidizer.
- In water, it forms hydrochloric acid (HCl) and hypochlorous acid (ClHO).
- Chlorine attacks plastic, rubber, coatings, and many metals in the presence of water.
- Chlorine reacts violently with bases, many organic compounds, ammonia, hydrogen, and many finely divided metals.
- Chlorine forms halides with all elements except helium, neon, and argon.
- EXPLOSION HAZARDS:
- Chlorine reacts explosively or forms explosive compounds with many common substances including, acetylene, ether, turpentine, ammonia, fuel gas, hydrogen, fluorine, and finely divided metals.
- Chlorine reacts with most combustibles posing a fire and explosion risk.
- Chlorine is not combustible.
- Containers may explode when heated.
- Ruptured cylinders may rocket.
- FIRE FIGHTING INFORMATION:
- Chlorine is not combustible, but it enhances the combustion of other substances.
- Chlorine reacts violently with many organic compounds, ammonia, hydrogen, and finely divided metals, causing fire and explosion hazards.
- The agent may ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.).
- Fire will produce irritating, corrosive, and/or toxic gases.
- For small fires, use water only; do not use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, or Halon®. Contain the fire and let it burn. If the fire must be fought, water spray or fog is recommended. Do not get water inside containers. Move containers from the fire area if it is possible to do so without risk to personnel. Damaged cylinders should be handled only by specialists.
- For fire involving tanks, fight the fire from maximum distance or use unmanned hose holders or monitor nozzles. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after the fire is out. Do not direct water at the source of the leak or at safety devices; icing may occur. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tanks. Always stay away from tanks engulfed in fire.
- For massive fire, use unmanned hose holders or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from the area and let the fire burn.
- Run-off from fire control may cause pollution.
- If the situation allows, control and properly dispose of run-off (effluent).
- INITIAL ISOLATION AND PROTECTIVE ACTION DISTANCES:
- If a tank, rail car, or tank truck is involved in a fire, isolate it for 0.5 mi (800 m) in all directions; also consider initial evacuation for 0.5 mi (800 m) in all directions.
- Small spills (involving the release of approximately 52.83 gallons (200 liters) or less)
- First isolate in all directions: 100 ft (30 m).
- Then protect persons downwind during the day: 0.2 mi (0.2 km).
- Then protect persons downwind during the night: 0.8 mi (1.2 km).
- Large spills (involving quantities greater than 52.83 gallons (200 liters))
- First isolate in all directions: 800 ft (240 m).
- Then protect persons downwind during the day: 1.5 mi (2.4 km).
- Then protect persons downwind during the night: 4.6 mi (7.4 km).
- PHYSICAL DANGERS:
- Vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along the ground and collect and stay in poorly-ventilated, low-lying, or confined areas (e.g., sewers, basements, and tanks).
- Hazardous concentrations may develop quickly in enclosed, poorly-ventilated, or low-lying areas. Keep out of these areas. Stay upwind.
- NFPA 704 Signal:
- Health: 4
- Flammability: 0
- Reactivity: 0
- Special: OX
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- SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS:
- OSHA: ID101, ID126SGX
- NIOSH: 6011
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