scope:

The scope of this pamphlet includes most types of PPE recommended for specific tasks and for emergency response in the manufacture and use of chlorine (liquid and gas), sodium and potassium hydroxide (10 - 50% by weight), sodium hypochlorite solutions (3 - 20% by weight), hydrochloric acid (7 - 37% by weight), sulfuric acid (38 - 98% by weight), and anhydrous hydrogen chloride (liquid and gas) all at temperatures below 120°F (49°C).

Exposure to these chemicals at elevated temperatures (>120°F; >49°C) may require additional personal protective equipment for thermal protection and to ascertain that the PPE used is suitable at such temperatures is beyond the scope of this pamphlet. For those chemicals where a concentration is specified, the ranges shown have been selected because these concentrations represent those that are typically produced and are those with which CI members have the most experience. Concentrations greater than shown may require additional or different PPE. Concentrations less than those shown may require comparable PPE. Users of concentrations outside the ranges listed in this pamphlet should seek other sources (e.g., the supplier) for recommended PPE.

Hearing protection and head protection (except for chemical exposure) are examples of equipment not addressed. Hearing protection requirements vary from site to site and are based on an assessment of personnel exposure to high noise levels and are independent of the chemical(s) being manufactured or handled. Similarly, head protection requirements vary from site to site.

Because the nature of a potential hazardous condition and the duration of exposure by affected personnel will vary from site to site, each manufacturer/user should determine how the recommendations should be implemented at the individual facility.

Users of personal protective equipment should follow the use and maintenance recommendations of the safety equipment manufacturer. ASRs and APRs must be approved by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). See NIOSH Certified Equipment List (13.10.1) and 29 CFR 1910.134 (13.6.4). The user should ascertain that the personal protective equipment is suitable for protecting personnel from the chemical(s) being handled and at the concentrations encountered.

The reader is referred to Institute publication Pamphlet 137 (13.1) for a discussion of personal protective equipment requirements pertaining to asbestos. Institute Pamphlet 139 (13.1) addresses personal protective equipment requirements pertaining to cell house electrical systems used in chlor-alkali operations. Institute Pamphlet 63 (13.1) addresses first aid, medical management and occupational hygiene and monitoring practices of personnel exposed to chlorine.

PURPOSE

This Chlorine Institute (Institute or CI) pamphlet is intended to provide information pertaining to certain Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) used in the manufacture or handling of chlorine, sodium and potassium hydroxide (caustic), sodium hypochlorite, hydrochloric (muriatic) acid, sulfuric acid, anhydrous hydrogen chloride, and vinyl chloride monomer (VCM). With the exception of sulfuric acid, the chemicals discussed in this pamphlet are CI mission chemicals. Sulfuric acid is included because it is commonly used at chlorine-producing facilities. Personal protective equipment includes both barrier clothing, such as chemical protective suits, boots, gloves, or face shield, and respiratory protection, such as air supply respirators (ASRs) or air purifying respirators (APRs). It must be noted that compliance with the requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regarding exposure to the above air contaminants must first be achieved by administrative and/or engineering controls. It is only when feasible administrative and/or engineering controls are not successful in achieving full compliance that reliance upon personal protective equipment is appropriate.