Chlorine

Overview

Chlorine gas is corrosive and irritating to the eyes, skin and mucous membranes.  Chlorine is an oxidizer and may explode or accelerate combustion if in contact with reducing agents.

Emergency Procedures

In case of skin contact: Chlorine hydrolyzes very rapidly yielding hydrochloric acid so that skin burns are like that from exposure to HCI.  Flush affected area with copious amounts of water for 15 minutes.  Seeking medical attention.

In case of eye contact:  Chlorine is corrosive and irritating to the eyes.  Flush contaminated eye(s) immediately with copious quantities of water for a minimum of 15 minutes.  Seek medical attention immediately.

In case of inhalation: Chlorine inhalation may cause coughing, nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness and difficulty breathing.  It may also cause pulmonary edema (build-up of fluid in the lungs) which may be delayed by several hours and can be fatal.   

In case of ingestion: Not a likely route of exposure.

Handling

Most metals corrode rapidly with wet chlorine.  Systems must be kept dry.  Lead, gold, tantalum and Hastelloy are most resistant to wet chlorine.    Use only in well-ventilated areas, vented gas storage cabinets, or fume hoods.

Wear chemical splash goggles and PVC, Kel-F or Teflon gloves to prevent eye and skin protection.

Storage

Consider using leak detection and alarm systems.  Follow all applicable recommendations for storage and handling of compressed gases.

Disposal

Chlorine cylinders should be returned to the compressed gas distributor when emptied or no longer used.

For More Information

See the MSDS for chlorine from BOC Gases.

Section 10: Chemical Specific Information