ARLINGTON, VA, May 5, 2005 -- The Chlorine Institute issued a chlorine safety alert regarding cracked valves and chlorine cylinders following several incidents or narrowly avoided incidents of leaks of the potentially harmful chemical.
Tracy H. Cullen, vice president of communications, meetings and member services, said, "There have been reports of both chlorine cylinder and ton container valves being found with cracks in the area by the threads for the packing nut. There are two reported incidents in the U.S. and Canada where an actual leak of chlorine is known to have occurred. Chlorine suppliers and valve manufacturers have agreed to increase their inspection procedures and an extra check by end users can only enhance safety."
Cullen added, "Today, there was another release that could have been due to this same valve problem -- but this is unconfirmed." [See today's coverage at "Chlorine leak forces evacuation (in Thibodaux, La.)".]
The Chlorine Institute has prepared recommendations for chlorine-users to inspect chlorine cylinder and ton container valves for cracks. Your chlorine supplier and valve manufacturers have also increased their inspection procedures and an extra check by end users can only enhance safety.
Fortunately, most have been discovered before any leaks happened. It appears that the valves won't leak until they're opened since the valve will be sealed at the stem. Both cylinder and ton container valves have been reported with cracks. The valve manufacturer and the Chlorine Institute are working to resolve this problem.
Meanwhile, the institute has alerted its members as well as posted an alert on its website: www.chlorineinstitute.org. Also at the website is specific information on additional safety procedures to be taken by chlorine consumers in water/wastewater facilities. To download those procedures, click here.
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