Safe Handling of Chlorine In

The Oxfam Novib Warehouse

(Sensitization workshop for the
Logistics, Warehouse and
Procurement Department)
By
Ibrahim Dibal
Public Health Engineering Assistant
(Graduate Chemical Engineer From ABU Zaria)
 OUTLINE
Introduction to chlorine.
Common causes of chlorine incidents in the
warehouse.
Hazards associated with chlorine handling..
Chlorine storage and handling.
Safety and signs in the warehouse.
 Introduction to Chlorine.
Calcium hypochlorite Ca(OCl) for drinking water drinking
water disinfection is most commonly encountered as ;
Chlorinated lime or bleaching powder
High test hypochlorite (HTH)
Calcium hypochlorite in tablet form
Both Chlorinated lime or High test hypochlorite (HTH) are
both white powder in forms.
Chlorinated lime or bleaching powder typically contains
20-35 per cent available chlorine.
High test hypochlorite (HTH) typically contains 65-70 per
cent available chlorine and it is more stable.
Calcium hypochlorite is generally unstable and all forms
lose potency with time.
 Common causes of chlorine incidents in the
warehouse.
Lack of awareness of the properties of the dangerous
substances.
Human error, due to lack of training and other human
factors.
Inappropriate storage conditions with respect to the
hazards of the substances.
Inadequate design, installation or maintenance of
buildings and equipment.
Exposure to heat from a nearby fire or other heat source.
Poor control of ignition sources, including smoking and
smoking materials, hot work, electrical equipment etc.
Horseplay, vandalism and arson.
 Hazards associated with chlorine
handling.
Short-Term Health Effects
Contact can severely irritate and burn the eyes and
skin.
Breathing Calcium Hypochlorite can irritate the nose,
throat and the lungs causing coughing or shortness of
breadth.
Chronic Health Effects
Repeated Exposure may cause bronchitis to develop
with cough, phlegm and shortness of breath.
 Chlorine storage and handling.
For chlorine handling the personnel has to have a Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE);
Body protection (Gloves and clothing)
Eyes protection (Goggles)
Respiration protection (Gas masks)
For Storage;
Chlorine-generating products should be stored in their original packaging.
The recipient (container) should be air-tight, non-metallic or properly
painted/enameled.
Shelter these products from heat, light and humidity, and store them in
restricted access areas (Chlorine is dangerous chemical especially for
children).
Never store chlorine-generating products together with organic matter, nor
with combustibles because of high risk of fire or explosion.
Storage places should be equipped with proper ventilation at ground level.
 Chlorine Safety Precautions.
Any chlorine-generating product may be fatal if inhaled or
swallowed. It is harmful if absorbed through the skin as it
causes severe irritation. In case of contact with eyes,
rinse immediately with plenty of clean running water and
seek medical advice.
Never mix Calcium Hypochlorite with anything but water.
Never mix Calcium Hypochlorite with NaDCC because toxic
and explosive gas may be generated.
Chlorine reacts with metals, leading to a high chlorine
consumption. Hence never prepare chlorine in metallic
containers (unless properly enameled).
Personal Protective Equipment
Safety signs in the warehouse.
 PRACTICALS ON CHLORINE HANDLING

20 Minutes practical activity on chlorine handling.