Chemical Handling and Storage Flashcards

What document must be available to workers for every hazardous chemical used at a water treatment facility?

Answer: Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) or Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard requires Safety Data Sheets (SDS, formerly MSDS) to be accessible for every hazardous chemical at the workplace.

Chlorine gas cylinders stored in a treatment facility should be kept at a temperature below what level to prevent excessive pressure buildup?

Answer: 100°F (38°C)

Chlorine cylinders should not be stored above 100°F (38°C) because higher temperatures increase vapor pressure and risk of cylinder failure or leaks.

When mixing chemicals at a water treatment plant, which of the following is the correct and safe practice?

Answer: Add acid to water to dissipate heat safely

Always add acid to water (never water to acid) to safely dissipate the heat generated and prevent a violent exothermic reaction.

Which type of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required when handling concentrated sodium hypochlorite solution?

Answer: Chemical-resistant gloves, face shield, and apron

Concentrated sodium hypochlorite is corrosive; chemical-resistant gloves, a face shield, and an apron protect against splashes to skin and eyes.

How should incompatible chemicals such as chlorine and ammonia be stored at a treatment facility?

Answer: In separate, well-ventilated storage areas with secondary containment

Incompatible chemicals must be stored separately with secondary containment to prevent accidental mixing, which could produce toxic gases like chloramines.

Secondary containment for chemical storage at water treatment facilities is designed to hold at least what percentage of the largest container's volume?

Answer: 100%

Secondary containment must hold 100% of the largest single container's volume to capture a full spill and prevent environmental contamination.

What is the first action an operator should take upon discovering a chlorine gas leak in the chemical feed room?

Answer: Evacuate the area and alert others while avoiding breathing the gas

The immediate priority is evacuation and alerting others; entering a chlorine gas environment without a SCBA is life-threatening.