2 workers poisoned, 23 workers evacuated following leak

The use of chlorine in the aluminum industry for the removal of magnesium from molten aluminum is commonplace in many of our plants. The hazard of chlorine is well known throughout our industry. On occasion there are chlorine gas leaks in our plants. Chlorine gas can be recognized by its pungent, irritating odor, which is like the odor of bleach. The strong smell may provide adequate warning to people that they are exposed.

One night during the week of October 22, 2017 a leak of chlorine occurred in a building sheltering an aluminium casthouse in Europe. 23 people were involved in this incident and two workers were poisoned and transported to a nearby hospital. Local firefighters mobilized their specialized unit in chemical risk management. The situation returned to normal during the night.

The Aluminium Plant Safety Blog prays that the injured workers recover fully from their exposure to chlorine gas and that there are no long term effects. If your plant uses chlorine gas have you planned for a gas leak? If not you should.

If a chlorine leak occurs at a plant worker’s would experience burning of eyes, nose, mouth; lacrimation (discharge of tears), rhinorrhea (discharge of thin nasal mucus); cough, choking, substernal (occurring beneath the sternum) pain; nausea, vomiting; headache, dizziness; syncope; pulmonary edema; pneumonitis; hypoxemia (reduced O2 in the blood); dermatitis; liquid: frostbite.

Safety information should be provided by your chlorine gas supplier. As well as the chlorine gas supplier should provide technical assistance on the proper storage and use of their material. There are numerous chlorine safety educational resources on the internet. We recommend contacting the Chlorine Institute (CI). Founded in 1924, it is a technical trade association that exists to support the chlor-alkali industry in advancing safe, secure, environmentally compatible, and sustainable production, distribution, and use of its mission chemicals*. The Chlorine Institute can be found here.

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