Wallace & Tiernan SERIES V-2000, Manual

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WT.025.000.001.UA.IM.0614
CHLORINE HANDLING MANUAL
PAGE 14
EVOQUA W3T98244
5.3 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
The first steps to be taken in providing proper safety precau-
tions at any facility are the selection of safety equipment to
be on hand, the proper location of the equipment, and the
training of all personnel in proper procedures to avoid unnec-
essary chlorine releases and to deal with releases that occur.
Proper respiratory equipment is essential for all facilities
regardless of size. For maximum safety, it is preferable to
use air tank type pressure demand masks that have a self-
contained air supply and, therefore, are suitable regardless
of chlorine concentration.
All respiratory equipment must meet the requirements of
the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
Following the respiratory equipment manufacturer’s rec-
ommendation regarding maintenance and periodic testing
is essential. This equipment should be stored outside the
area containing chlorine or chlorine equipment in a man-
ner protecting it from damage of any kind and so as to be
readily available.
WARNING: DO NOT LOCK CABINETS OR CLOSETS IN
WHICH RESPIRATORY EQUIPMENT IS STORED, AS THE
EQUIPMENT MUST BE READILY AVAILABLE.
All personnel with no assigned responsibility for dealing with
a chlorine release should be instructed to leave the area.
Those responsible for correcting the situation should don
respiratory equipment before doing so.
Protective clothing is recommended for handling even routine
operations involving chlorine. In the event of a substantial
release, protective clothing is required. Anyone desiring
further information on protective clothing should refer to
the Chlorine Institute Pamphlet 65, Protective Clothing for
Chlorine.
Safety shoes, hard hats, and safety glasses should be used
in accordance with standard plant practice.
Most leaks will occur in piping, valves, connections, and the
pressurized portions of chlorine equipment. These leaks
will usually be eliminated by tightening packing, replacing
gaskets, or repairing the equipment.
WARNING: REPLACE FLEXIBLE CONNECTIONS ANNU-
ALLY, OR SOONER IF THERE IS EVIDENCE OF DETERIO-
RATION.
Emergency kits (meeting Chlorine Institute requirements)
are available that can seal off most leaking areas of chlorine
containers (i.e., valves, fusible plugs, or container wall). If
these are on hand they must be used only by personnel
thoroughly familiar with their use. The chlorine supplier
should be contacted immediately for information, assistance,
and advice on the disposition of the leaking container. The
container should always be repositioned, if possible, so the
leak is gas rather than liquid.
WARNING: NEVER UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE SPRAY
WATER ON A CHLORINE LEAK. THIS WILL ONLY MAKE
IT WORSE.
Wall charts are available from most chlorine suppliers that
provide much of the information contained in this manual.
5.4 EMERGENCY ACTION PLANS
The best emergency plan includes routine practices that are
designed to minimize emergencies. Proper maintenance of
all equipment associated with the storage, handling, and use
of chlorine in accordance with the manufacturer’s instruc-
tions is essential.
All equipment and piping containing chlorine under pressure
must be tested periodically for leaks following procedures
covered in Paragraph 4.8. Since it is not unusual for areas
used for chlorine storage and chlorine equipment to be rela-
tively unattended, it is important for the air in these areas to
be monitored continuously with chlorine detectors, so that
warning of leaks is given as early as possible. As with most
emergencies, the earliest detection helps to minimize the
damage to equipment and personnel. In addition to warning
of leaks when the areas are unattended, chlorine detectors
should warn of the presence of minor amounts of chlorine
that may not be detected by personnel in the area.
Some chlorine leaks are minor but all require immediate
attention.
In the event of a major release of chlorine, there should be
no delay in contacting the agency in the community that
is responsible for handling hazardous material releases.
Appropriate names and telephone numbers must be promi-
nently posted.
The chlorine supplier is probably the best source of as-
sistance for most chlorine users. In addition, the Chlorine
Institute’s Chlorine Emergency Plan (CHLOREP) can provide
vital assistance. In the United States this plan is activated
through CHEMTREC (toll free 800-4249300). In Canada,
contact CANUTEC (call collect 613-996-6666). These names
and numbers must also be posted prominently.