Page 27 - CCPS Golden Rules - Chloral Alkali

Golden Rules for Chlor-Alkali

❖ How — Engineers and Designers:

Separate acids and bleaches in containment systems [38].
Consider separate loading/unloading areas.
Use unique connections to avoid unintended mixing.
Consider not using common sump or drain systems at loading/unloading areas where incompatible
material spills or overflows can mix [38].
Ensure that process design/hazards reviews address abnormal process situations that might result in
acidifying hypochlorite tanks or might direct hypochlorite streams into low pH systems.
Consider installation of remote shut off switches to stop transfer in the event of an emergency.
❖ How — Emergency Responders:

Use proper respiratory PPE when responding to any decomposition of hypochlorite and the resultant
release of chlorine [5].
Proper PPE would include protection from hot solutions resulting from rapid decomposition [38].

Gas generation will not stop until the incompatible chemicals are consumed and the reaction stops.
Stopping flows may not immediately stop the reactions and gas generation [39].
Understand there may be off-site impacts as chlorine continues to be released.

Updated January 2024 Page 24 of 28