OSHA Hazard Information Bulletins
November 14, 1991
| MEMORANDUM FOR: |
REGIONAL ADMINISTRATORS |
| THRU: |
LEO CAREY
Director
Office of Field Programs |
| FROM: |
THOMAS J. SHEPICH
Director
Directorate of Technical Support |
| SUBJECT: |
Hazard Information Bulletin - Calcium Hypochlorite
(CaCl(2)O(2)) |
The Directorate of Technical Support issues Hazard Information Bulletins
(HIBs) in accordance with OSHA Instructions CPL 2.65 to provide relevant
information regarding unrecognized or misunderstood health hazards,
inadequacies of materials, devices, techniques, and engineering controls.
HIBs are initiated based on information provided by the field staff, studies,
reports and concerns expressed by safety and health professionals, employers,
and the public. Information is compiled based on a thorough comprehensive
evaluation of available facts, literature and in coordination with
appropriate parties. HIBs do not necessarily reflect OSHA policy.
The Center for Emergency Response Planning (CERP) brought to OSHA's
attention potential hazard(s) associated with calcium hypochlorite. Calcium
hypochlorite (hypochlorous acid, calcium salt, losantin, oxychloride and
chlorinated lime) is a white, crystal and oxidizing solid material which
looks much like table salt.[1] It has a faint odor of chlorine and is toxic
by ingestion, skin contact and inhalation. Calcium hypochlorite is used as a
disinfectant in swimming pools, sewage treatment operations and in water
treatment operations.
Calcium hypochlorite should not be stored near reactive or combustible
materials. Fires evolving calcium hypochlorite may be difficult to put out
because if calcium hypochlorite is not kept completely dry, it will decompose
liberating oxygen and chlorine. A self perpetuating fire/explosion could
result if CaCl(2)O(2) is not kept dry and stored with other organic and/or
flammable material(s).[2] Therefore, calcium hypochlorite must be stored in
a completely dry location, isolated from combustible materials or fully
dissolved to prevent creating a hazardous condition.
Please distribute this bulletin to all Area Offices, State Plan States and
Consultation Project.
References used:
- Center for Emergency Response Planning, "Hazard Alert - Calcium
Hypochlorite" AFL-CIO/Workplace Health Fund, Washington, D.C.,
1991.
- Hawley, G.G, "The Condensed Chemical Dictionary" Van Nostrand
Reinhold Company. New York. page 182, 1990.
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