PURPOSE AND SCOPE

This ninth edition includes updates to medical evaluation, chlorine exposure assessment and occupational hygiene monitoring practices. The information contained in this pamphlet is intended to provide guidance to anyone who produces, uses, or otherwise handles chlorine.

This pamphlet provides information for the administration of first aid and medical treatment for anyone who has been exposed to gaseous or liquid chlorine. In addition, this pamphlet provides information pertaining to the administration of medical evaluation programs, exposure assessment programs, and industrial hygiene practices for persons who may be exposed to chlorine.

In addition to chlorine, other chemical and physical agents may be encountered in chlorine production, use, or handling facilities. These may include sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, sodium hypochlorite, sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, asbestos, mercury, electro-magnetic fields, and possibly other materials. Control of exposure to these chemicals and physical agents should be considered in any overall program of medical evaluation and hygiene monitoring.

Information on first aid and medical management of chlorine exposure cases is also provided in the Institute’s H-DVD (9.1).