USM
FIRE FIGHTING & RESCUE SERVICES CHLORINE GAS LEAK RESPONSE
DOCUMENT No. TMI-8303-OP-0006
1.0
PURPOSE
To demonstrate the correct procedure to ensure the correct response for a Chlorine Gas Leak
Response on site
2.0
SCOPE
Applies to all Emergency Services Personnel involved in a chlorine gas leak incident
3.0
DEFINITIONS
a) IOC: Officer in charge
b) SCBA: Self Contained Breathing Apparatus
c) 6AR:
FESA Central Communication Centre
d) WWTP: Waste Water Treatment Plant
4.0
PROCEDURE
Identify and all areas where Chlorine is stored. Consider areas such as the WWTP, Storage tank and
other storage tank 6. In these cases the siren will sound when a leak is detected. Always approach
sites from the upwind direction and in all cases take note of wind direction before arrival on site as
normal entry roads may not be able to be utilised.
In the event of a spill or the detection of chlorine gas, the following action is to be taken:
a.
Contact resident or local fire brigade/emergency services.
b.
Rottenest Island Contract: IOC is to contact 6AR and inform of incident and precede to
incident in Fast Attack #1 with on call FF #2. If pager call has been received then ‘on
call’ FF 3 & 4 will respond to Fire Station and wait for call from OIC on channel 99. On
arrival on site inform 6AR with brief description of incident. OIC shall contact the fire
station on CH99 and inform standby FF what equipment is required on site.
c.
If leak is confirmed then HAZMAT procedures should be followed.
CONTROLLED COPY NO.:
Issue Date:
Issued By:
[Uncontrolled unless numbered and dated (in red)]
Approved by:
Name: Ivan Dubow
Position: COO, Retail
Checked by:
Name/Position:
© USM 2008
This document is the property of USM (TIN 23 2522463). This document must not be copied or reproduced in any way whatsoever, and
must not be passed on to any third party without the written authority from USM.
Date: March, 2009
Revision: 0
Page 1 of 3
USM
FIRE FIGHTING & RESCUE SERVICES CHLORINE GAS LEAK RESPONSE
DOCUMENT No. TMI-8303-OP-0006
4.1
4.2
CHLORINE GAS INCIDENTS-HAZARDS

Will not burn but will increase intensity of fires.

Will react vigorously with metals

Containers may explode when heated

Ruptured cylinders may rocket.

It is heavier then air and will settle in lower areas
FIRE

Water Only: No dry chemical or CO2

Contain fire and let burn. If fire must be fought use water spray or fog.

Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until incident are over.

If safe to do so remove containers from fire area.
 All occupied buildings in the immediate area are to be evacuated and the police are to
close off all roads in the area of emergency.
 Particular care should be taken with the threat of escaping gas vapour accumulating and
pooling in low areas of the ground. Sumps and drains are of particular concern.
4.3 SPILL OR LEAK
4.4
4.5

Stop leak if safe to do so-Prevent entry into confined areas or drains.

Do not touch or walk through split materials.

Use water spray or fog to knock down vapours or direct vapour clouds.

Isolate area until gas has dispersed and ventilate area.
PUBLIC SAFETY

Spill or leak area should be isolated immediately for a distance decided by the OIC.

Keep all unauthorised personnel away from area.

Keep upwind and to higher ground.

Ventilate enclosed spaces before entering.
HEALTH

POISONOUS: MAY BE FATAL IF INHALED

Contact with chlorine gas may cause burns, severe injury and frostbite.
Revision No: 0
© USM 2008
This document is the property of USM (TIN 23 2522463). This document must not be copied
or reproduced in any way whatsoever, and must not be passed on to any third party without
the written authority from USM.
Date: March, 2009
Page 2 of 3
USM
FIRE FIGHTING & RESCUE SERVICES CHLORINE GAS LEAK RESPONSE
DOCUMENT No. TMI-8303-OP-0006
4.6
FIRST AID
Any incident victims are to be moved to an area with fresh air for medical attention. Body temperature
is to be maintained. Should the situation dictate the following procedures are to be used?
5.0
a.
If the victim is not breathing, they are to be given E.A.R. Use of OXY VIVA when EAR
is to be given in chlorine victims
b.
If frostbite is suspected, the frozen parts are to be thawed preferably with natural body
warmth and medical attention sought.
c.
Nursing Post is to be contact in all cases.
REFERENCE DOCUMENTATION
NIL
Revision No: 0
© USM 2008
This document is the property of USM (TIN 23 2522463). This document must not be copied
or reproduced in any way whatsoever, and must not be passed on to any third party without
the written authority from USM.
Date: March, 2009
Page 3 of 3