THE CHLORINE INSTITUTE
CRITICAL CHLORINE EMERGENCY
I N F O R M AT I O N P O S T E R
Properties (Pamphlet 1)
g Liquid chlorine is a translucent amber colored liquid
that is approximately 1.5 times heavier than water. Its
boiling point is -29.5°F or -34°C at atmospheric pressure.
g Gaseous chlorine is a green-yellowish gas that is
approximately 2.5 times heavier than air. Chlorine gas
will gather in low confined spaces.
g Chlorine gas clouds become visible in air at
approximately 20 to 300 ppm depending on the
atmospheric conditions.
g The OSHA PEL (Permissible Exposure Limit) for
chlorine is 1 ppm. At 1000 ppm chlorine inhalation can be
fatal within a few minutes or a few deep breaths.
g A chlorine container leak that is above the liquid level
will tend to auto-refrigerate, slowing the vapor release.
Chlorine containers can be rolled to position the leak
in the vapor space. This will can greatly reduce the
amount released.
g NEVER spray water on a liquid chlorine spill. Spraying
water directly on a liquid spill will increase the
vaporization rate. The corrosivity will also increase.
Chlorine is not readily absorbed into water.
g Chlorine will react VIOLENTLY with petroleum
products, greases, lubricants and organic solvents.
g In a fire involving chlorine, chlorine can support a
steel fire. Steel will burn in the presence of chlorine
at approximately 480°F or less, depending on the
presence of other contaminant.
g NEVER trap chlorine between valves. Chlorine has a
liquid to vapor expansion ratio of 460:1.
Emergency Kit Information
g The Chlorine Institute can be contacted for questions concerning the emergency kits and kit training information on
703 894 4140 and/or techsvc@cl2.com
A kit for Chlorine Cylinders B Kit for Chlorine Ton Containers
Emergency Contact Information For United States emergencies contact:
1-800-262-8200
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
(Pamphlet 65)
g For gaseous chlorine spills the Institute recommends
responders don Level B protective equipment.
g For liquid chlorine spills the Institute recommends
responders don Level B Enhanced protective
equipment. This enhanced level requires fully
encapsulated protective equipment.
g Appropriate PPE should be worn for thermal
protection when handling liquid chlorine and
containers contaminated with liquid chlorine.
Other Key Emergency Spill Facts
g In a vapor release ALWAYS note the wind direction;
this is the typical direction the vapor will be traveling.
Due to chlorine vapor’s density, it will at times go
upwind if the direction is downhill.
g Emergency responders should be formally trained
on how to apply an A Kit, B Kit and C Kit. Refresher
training should be provided on a routine basis.
g One ton chlorine containers and 150 lb chlorine
cylinders are fitted with a THERMAL relief plug and rail
cars are fitted with a PRESSURE relief valve.
g MSDSs should be consulted concerning information
on first aid and medical management to personnel
exposed to chlorine. These should also be provided to
responding medical personnel.
g The application of a kit to stop a chlorine leak is only
a temporary fix. Plans to transfer the chlorine should
be made as soon as possible.
C Kit for Railcars and Tank Trucks
For Canadian emergencies contact:
CANUTEC 613-996-6666