• If I need to wear a respirator, what kind should it be?
• What eye/face protection is recommended for working with Chlorine?
• What skin protection measures are recommended when working with Chlorine?
• What types of materials should my protective clothing be made of?
• Is there anything else I need to do to reduce my exposure?

If I need to wear a respirator, what kind should it be?

If engineering controls and work practices are not effective in controlling exposure to chlorine, then wear suitable personal protective equipment including approved respiratory protection. Have appropriate personal protective equipment available for use in emergencies such as spills or fire.

If respiratory protection is required, institute a complete respiratory protection program including selection, fit testing, training, maintenance and inspection. Refer to the CSA Standard Z94.4-93, "Selection, Use and Care of Respirators," available from the Canadian Standards Association, Rexdale, Ontario, M9W 1R3.

RESPIRATORY PROTECTION GUIDELINES:

NIOSH RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CHLORINE CONCENTRATIONS IN AIR:

UP TO 5 ppm: Chemical cartridge respirator with cartridge(s) to protect against chlorine; or SAR.

UP TO 10 ppm: SAR operated in a continuous flow mode*; or powered air-purifying respirator with cartridge(s) to protect against chlorine; or full-facepiece chemical cartridge respirator with cartridge(s) to protect against chlorine; or gas mask with canister to protect against chlorine; or full-facepiece SCBA; or full-facepiece SAR.

EMERGENCY OR PLANNED ENTRY IN UNKNOWN CONCENTRATION OR IDLH CONDITIONS:

Positive pressure, full-facepiece SCBA; or positive pressure, full-facepiece SAR with an auxiliary positive pressure SCBA.

ESCAPE: Gas mask with canister to protect against chlorine; or escape-type SCBA.

*NOTE: Substance reported to cause eye irritation or damage; may require eye protection.

NOTE: The IDLH concentration for chlorine is 10 ppm.

NOTE: The purpose of establishing an IDLH value is to ensure that the worker can escape from a given contaminated environment in the event of failure of the most protective respiratory protection equipment. In the event of failure of respiratory protective equipment every effort should be made to exit immediately.

Recommendations apply only to NIOSH approved respirators. Air purifying respirators do not protect against oxygen-deficient atmospheres. The respirator use limitations specified by the approving agency and the manufacturer must be observed.

ABBREVIATIONS: SAR = supplied-air respirator; SCBA = self-contained breathing apparatus; IDLH = Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health.

What eye/face protection is recommended for working with Chlorine?

Non-ventilated chemical safety goggles. A full face shield may also be necessary.

What skin protection measures are recommended when working with Chlorine?

Not usually required if there is a closed chlorine handling system. If contact with liquid or gas is possible, then use chemical protective gloves, coveralls, boots and/or other resistant protective clothing. Have a safety shower/eye-wash fountain readily available in the immediate work area. Some operations may require the use of a chemical protective full-body encapsulating suit and respiratory protection.

What types of materials should my protective clothing be made of?

Guidelines for chlorine, liquid:

RECOMMENDED (resistance to breakthrough longer than 8 hours): Responder (TM), Tychem 10000 (TM).

Guidelines for chlorine, gas:

RECOMMENDED (resistance to breakthrough longer than 8 hours): Butyl rubber, Neoprene, Teflon(TM), Viton(TM), Saranex(TM), Barricade(TM), CPF 3(TM), Responder(TM), Trellchem HPS(TM), Tychem 10 000(TM).

RECOMMENDED (resistance to breakthrough longer than 4 hours): Nitrile rubber, 4H(TM)(PE/EVAL).

NOT RECOMMENDED for use (resistance to breakthrough less than 1 hour): Polyethylene, Polyvinyl Chloride.

There is evidence that this chemical can cause serious skin injury (e.g., corrosion or absorption hazard.

Recommendations are NOT valid for very thin Natural rubber, Neoprene, Nitrile and PVC gloves (0.3 mm or less). Recommendations are valid for permeation rates reaching 0.1 µg/cm²/min or 1 mg/m²/min and over. Resistance of specific materials can vary from product to product. Breakthrough times are obtained under conditions of continuous contact, generally at room temperature. Evaluate resistance under conditions of use and maintain clothing carefully.

Reference: Forsberg, K., et al. Quick selection guide to chemical protective clothing. 3rd edition. Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1997.

Is there anything else I need to do to reduce my exposure?

Do not eat, drink or smoke in work areas. Maintain good housekeeping.

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Document last updated on October 29, 1998

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