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Chlorine
1-Basic Information on Chlorine
2-Health Effects of Chlorine
3-First Aid for Exposure to Chlorine
4-Working Safely with Chlorine
5-Personal Protective Equipment Information for Chlorine
6-International Hazard Classifications for Chlorine
7-Source of Information on Chlorine
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3-First Aid for Exposure to Chlorine

What should I do if someone becomes ill from breathing Chlorine?
What do I do if someone gets Chlorine on their skin?
What do I do if someone gets Chlorine in their eyes?
What do I do if someone swallows Chlorine?
Is there anything else I need to know about first aid?


What should I do if someone becomes ill from breathing Chlorine?

Take proper precautions to ensure your own safety before attempting rescue (e.g., wear appropriate protective equipment, use the buddy system). Remove source of contamination or move victim to fresh air. If breathing is difficult, oxygen may be beneficial if administered by trained personnel, preferably on doctor's advice. DO NOT allow victim to move about unnecessarily. Symptoms of pulmonary edema can be delayed up to 48 hours after exposure. Immediately transport victim to an emergency care facility.

What do I do if someone gets Chlorine on their skin?

LIQUIFIED GAS: Avoid direct contact with this chemical. Wear chemically resistant protective gloves, if necessary. Quickly remove victim from source of contamination and briefly flush with lukewarm, gently flowing water until the chemical is removed. DO NOT attempt to rewarm the affected area on site. DO NOT rub area or apply dry heat. Gently remove clothing or jewelry that may restrict circulation. Carefully cut around clothing that sticks to the skin and remove the rest of the garment. Loosely cover the affected area with a sterile dressing. DO NOT allow victim to drink alcohol or smoke. Quickly transport victim to an emergency care facility.

What do I do if someone gets Chlorine in their eyes?

LIQUIFIED GAS: Quickly remove victim from source of contamination. Immediately and briefly flush with lukewarm, gently flowing water until the chemical is removed. DO NOT attempt to rewarm. Cover both eyes with a sterile dressing. DO NOT allow victim to drink alcohol or smoke. Quickly transport victim to an emergency care facility.

What do I do if someone swallows Chlorine?

Ingestion is not an applicable route of exposure for gases.

Is there anything else I need to know about first aid?

Provide general supportive measures (comfort, warmth, rest). Consult a doctor and/or the nearest Poison Control Centre for all exposures.

Some recommendations in the above sections may be considered medical acts in some jurisdictions. These recommendations should be reviewed with a doctor and appropriate delegation of authority obtained, as required. All first aid procedures should be periodically reviewed by a doctor familiar with the material and its condition of use in the workplace.

Document last updated on October 22, 1998

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