3ER&
CEPPW
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Office of Solid Waste
and Emergency Response
(5104A)
EPA550-F-01-003
March 2001
www. epa.gov/ceppo/
Safe Storage and Handling of
Swimming Pool Chemicals
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is issuing this Alert as part of its ongoing effort to
protect human health and the environment by preventing chemical accidents. We are striving to
learn the causes and contributing factors associated with chemical accidents and to prevent their
recurrence. Major chemical accidents cannot be prevented solely through regulatory
requirements. Rather, understanding the fundamental root causes, widely disseminating the
lessons learned, and integrating these lessons learned into safe operations are also required. EPA
publishes Alerts to increase awareness of possible hazards. It is important that facilities, State
Emergency Response Commissions (SERCs), Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs),
emergency responders, and others review this information and take appropriate steps to
minimize risk. This document does not substitute for EPA's regulations, nor is it a regulation
itself. It cannot and does not impose legally binding requirements on EPA, states, or the
regulated community, and the measures it describes may not apply to a particular situation based
upon the circumstances. This guidance does not represent final agency action and may change
in the future, as appropriate.
Problem
Pool chemicals may become a hazard when
they become wetted by a small quantity of
water or when they are improperly mixed,
such as with other chemicals or reactive
materials. Although the potential hazards
of swimming pool water treatment and
maintenance chemicals, also referred to as
"pool chemicals," have been recognized for
some time, news media reports over the
last five years still show a significant
number of fires, toxic vapor releases, and
personnel injuries in which pool chemicals
were a factor (See Table 1).
A number of the pool chemicals, especially
those exhibiting oxidation properties, can
potentially be highly reactive and capable
of generating high temperatures, as well as
releasing toxic vapors if improperly
handled or stored. Reactivity may be
triggered by water wetting the chemical, or
by the inadvertent mixing of a pool
chemical with an incompatible material.
Some pool chemicals are self-reactive over
time, even without moisture addition or
mixing with other materials. The products
of this decomposition may include chlorine
gas which may cause the corrosion of
piping and other metal equipment in poorly
ventilated areas. These chemicals are
packaged in "breathable" containers to
avoid pressure buildup while in storage.
A partial listing of pool chemicals includes
chlorinated isocyanurates, lithium
hypochlorite, sodium bicarbonate,
potassium monopersulfate, hydrogen
peroxide, sodium hypochlorite, calcium
hypochlorite, and certain ammonium,
brominated, copper and silver compounds,
and muriatic acid. Pool chemicals involved
in fire or toxic vapor release are likely to
include those that add chlorine or a chlorine
ion to the pool water for bacterial control.
Chemicals that release chlorine are among
the group of chemicals that are classified as
oxidizers. These pool oxidizer chemicals
include calcium hypochlorite, sodium
hypochlorite, and chlorinated
isocyanurates. Other pool chemicals are
used to control the growth of algae or
fungus, to adjust the acidity or alkalinity
(pH control), and to clarify pool water.
Large, nonresidential pools may use
chlorine stored as a liquid under pressure in
metal containers. The Chlorine Institute,
Inc. and the Occupational Safety and
Health Administration (OSHA) provide
guidance on the operation of pressurized
chlorine systems (see Information
Resources section of this^4/erO-
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Hazard Triggers
The purpose of this Alert is to provide guidance
associated with normal operating conditions and
routine tasks for storage and handling of pool
chemicals. It does not address the precautions to be
taken by first responders in case of a fire, a large
spill, or the release of toxic vapors.
Wetting: Under normal circumstances, pool
chemicals are intended to be added to large
quantities of water. If, instead, a limited volume
(amount) of water is added to a chemical, an
unwanted reaction may occur, resulting in an
increase in temperature and the release of toxic gas.
Even a small amount of water splashed on the
chemical may in some cases trigger a strong
reaction. The main exception to this rule concerning
water addition is when very large quantities of water
are needed for fire fighting, as discussed below.
Although the chemicals are usually packaged in
plastic bags that are stored in sturdy cartons or
drums, accidents have occurred when water leaked
into damaged or open containers.
Possible sources of water entry have been traced to:
• Rain water from a roof leak or from an open or
broken window;
• Wet floor when the stored chemicals were not
elevated off the floor;
• Leakage from fire suppression sprinkler system;
or
• Hose-down water generated during area cleanup.
There are other sources of water that may come in
contact with pool chemical packages, including high
humidity in summer weather. However, the effects
of humidity are more likely to be slow-acting, with
the rate of temperature buildup and chlorine gas
release being less severe.
Chlorine is corrosive to metals such as steel and
copper. Instances have been reported where exposed
water piping has become corroded causing leaks,
and also where metal storage shelves have corroded
and collapsed, leading to chemical spillage.
Improper Mixing: The most common pool
chemicals are inherently incompatible with each
other. Intentional or accidental mixing of
incompatible chemicals is likely to lead to a
chemical reaction that may generate temperatures
high enough to ignite nearby combustible materials.
Mixing can also lead to the release of highly toxic
and corrosive chlorine gas. Reactions have also
been traced to the mixing of old (partially
decomposed) and new chemicals of the same type.
The mixing of pool chemicals with completely
unrelated materials such as swept material from the
floor, oily rags, and other miscellaneous materials
have been known to cause strong reactions with the
potential for a resulting fire.
Improper chemical mixing incidents have occurred
when:
• Tools and equipment used to handle one chemical
were used with a different chemical before being
cleaned;
• Spilled substances (e.g., from damaged
containers or from sloppy handling) and other
miscellaneous substances on floors were swept
up together and mixed; and
• Containers, residues, or wastes are disposed
resulting in inadvertent mixing in disposal
containers or at waste disposal sites.
Liquid chemicals, such as sodium hypochlorite
(bleach), if spilled, can leak into other containers or
seep into cracks in the floor. Liquids, because of
their properties, can create hazards not associated
with solid or granular products and must be carefully
handled.
Hazard Control
Facility management is responsible for knowing and
understanding the hazards associated with these
chemicals and ensuring that pool chemicals are
safely stored and handled. Hazardous substances are
capable of being safely handled day-after-day
through a management system that ensures that
good, written procedures are prepared, posted, and
followed by trained employees. Also, the facility
needs to be properly designed and maintained.
Finally, facility management should very carefully
plan for emergencies and work with first responders
to mitigate incidents that occur.
Recommendations for addressing the major hazards
associated with pool chemicals are described below.
Keep Pool Chemicals Dry. Facility management
should design and maintain designated areas for pool
chemical storage so that water does not come in
contact with containers or packaging.
Any evidence of potential water entry from the
following possible sources should receive prompt
corrective attention:
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• Roof, windows, and doors;
• Wall and floor j oints;
• Water pipes or hoses and sprinkler systems; and
• Drains.
You should look for ways to prevent water contact
with stored pool chemicals such as:
• Close containers properly;
• Cover opened or damaged packaging;
• Store chemicals away from doors and windows;
• Ensure that there are no roof leaks, open or
broken windows, or leaks from water pipes,
hoses, or the sprinkler system;
• Ensure that floors are sloped to keep water
drained away;
• Store chemicals on shelves or pallets to keep
containers off the floor;
• Use waterproof covers on packaging;
• Exercise particular caution to prevent water
contact with stored chemicals any time water is
used for cleanup of floor areas near stored
packages; and
• Ensure that water will not back up from faulty or
clogged floor drains.
oo
Avoid Chemical Mixing. You should conduct a
review of chemical storage arrangements and
chemical handling tasks to identify situations where
chemicals could be intentionally or accidentally
mixed:
• Separate incompatible substances; avoid storing
containers of liquids above containers of other
incompatible substances;
• Do not mix old chemicals with fresh chemical,
even if they are the same type;
• Consider separate, designated tools for each
chemical. Handle only one chemical at a time
and make sure that tools used with one substance
are not used with another unless all residues are
removed;
• Use separate, designated containers for cleanup
of spilled materials to avoid inadvertent mixing
of spilled substances. Consult your local
hazardous waste disposal facility for more
detailed information on proper waste disposal;
and
• Make chemical storage area housekeeping a
priority. Don't allow rags, trash, debris, or other
materials to clutter hazardous material storage
area. Keep combustible and flammable
substances away.
For storage and handling of large quantities, see the
American Chemistry Council (formerly the
Chemical Manufacturers Association) Guidelines in
the Safe Transportation, Handling, and Storage of
Dry Chlorinated Pool Chemicals -2001 listed under
the Recommended Reading section of This Alert,
for guidance on stack height and separation of
different chemical types and separation of oxidizers
from combustibles.
Fire Prevention. Facility management should
prevent a chemical reaction ignition by avoiding
wetting or mixing chemicals as described above.
Avoid having combustible or flammable materials
near the chemicals, particularly gasoline, oil, paint
solvents, oily rags, etc. Do not allow ignition
sources, such as gasoline, diesel, or gas powered
equipment such as lawn mowers, motors, or welding
machines, in the storage area. Also, do not allow
smoking in the storage area. Review bulk storage,
including packaging and storage locations, relative
to potential for accidental contact with water,
including sprinkler systems, rainwater, etc.
Emergency Response and Fire Fighting. Facility
management should work with local first responders
(fire departments, emergency medical teams) and the
LEPC on emergency response and fire fighting.
LEPC contact information can be found at the
website listed in the Other Useful Websites section.
The Recommended Reading section provides
sources of information on fire prevention and fire
fighting associated with pool chemicals.
Note also that once started, fires involving pool
chemicals are difficult to attack. Keep in mind that:
• Do not use dry chemical or halon-type fire
extinguishers where chlorine gas may be
evolving. These agents react negatively with
chlorine.
• In extinguishing a fire, only large volumes
(copious flow) of water should be applied and
then only by persons trained in chemical fire
response. Caution must also be exercised to
protect against wildlife damage due to
contaminated water runoff.
• Large quantities of water should be applied to the
burning combustibles to remove heat and for fire
intensity control.
• Once started, the reaction of wetted or mixed
chlorinated pool chemicals may continue
generating heat, unless the material is cooled
below its heat of reaction temperature or until all
chlorine is used.
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Protective Measures
Pool chemicals can cause injury if they directly
contact a person's skin, eyes, or respiratory or
digestive system. The chemical will immediately
react when wetted by perspiration, tears, mucus, and
saliva in the nose, throat, and respiratory and
digestive systems. Such injuries may occur from
direct chemical contact with the skin or if chemical
dust in the air contacts eyes, is inhaled, or settles on
food that is consumed.
Protect Employees from Exposure. Consult the
chemical manufacturer's safety instructions as well
as the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) for
guidance on the appropriate personal protective
equipment (PPE) necessary to protect your
employees. Also, share MSDSs with local
emergency medical responders and practitioners.
The following protective measures address
conditions that may arise during normal operations
or the execution of routine tasks. If, however,
additional information is needed for fire, spill, or
release intervention, we suggest that you contact the
LEPC (see Other Useful Websites)
See that PPE is kept clean, in proper operating
condition, and available for use when needed and
that the following practices are observed:
Use basic PPE including, as a minimum, chemical
goggles and liquid impervious gloves, and boots for
any chemical handling activities.
For frequent or extended chemical handling
activities, add a face shield and liquid impervious
apron or coveralls to the basic PPE.
As a minimum, use a National Institute for
Occupational Health and Safety (NIOSH) approved
air-purifying respirator, when airborne chemical dust
or mist may be present. 29 CFR 1910.134
Respiratory Protection covers the OSHA
requirements for respiratory protection.
For additional information on proper selection and
use of PPE, consult the OSHA regulatory standards.
In addition:
• Consider development of work practices to
minimize dust generation and accidental contact
with pool chemicals;
• Provide a means of ready access to water (e.g.,
safety showers, eye wash stations, etc.) for
removal of chemicals that may accidentally
contact employees;
Consider appropriate first aid and coordinate
with local first responders and medical
professionals for treatment of accidental
exposure until professional medical treatment can
be provided;
Avoid accidental ingestion by storing and
consuming foods and beverages away from
chemical storage and handling locations, and
ensure that employees wash before eating,
drinking, etc.; and post the numbers for the local
emergency responders, and medical practitioners
that are familiar with the appropriate treatment
for the chemical present.
Information Resources
Recommended Reading
The American Chemistry Council has several
guidelines:
Guidelines in the Safe Transportation, Handling,
and Storage of Dry Chlorinated Pool Chemicals -
2001 combines and supercedes the 1995 editions of
the Guidelines for Safe Handling and Storage of
Calcium Hypochlorite and Chlorinated Isocyanurate
Pool Chemicals and Guidelines for Safe
Transportation of Calcium Hypochlorite and
Chlorinated Isocyanurate Pool Chemicals. This
publication discusses product nomenclature;
incompatibilities, hazards, and characteristics;
storage; processing guidelines; personal protective
equipment; first aid; emergency procedures;
handling minor spills; do's and don'ts and
emergency telephone numbers. This very clear and
comprehensive publication is also available from a
number of Chlorinated Pool Chemical (CPC) Panel
member companies. It is strongly recommended
reading for those responsible for storage and
handling of pool chemicals.
American Chemistry Council
1300 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22209
Website: www.americanchemistrv.com
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The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
has a bulletin for pool chemicals and a code for safe
storage of liquid and solid oxidizers:
NFPA Alert Bulletin - Pool Chemicals - 1998, 4
pages - prepared for the fire services and others in
order to raise their awareness of hazards created by
pool chemicals stored in retail establishments. This
Alert bulletin discusses two major fires where pool
chemicals were stored. It also gives details
concerning two types of fire suppression equipment
that should not be used for fires where pool
chemicals are involved.
NFPA 430, Code for the Storage of Liquid and
Solid Oxidizers, 2000 edition - 16 pages. The
2000 edition was revised to include a section
addressing storage and handling at retail stores. It
provides a number of useful definitions including the
definition of Class 3 Oxidizers which include most
pool water treatment chemicals. NFPA 430 also
points out the hazards associated with not only the
use but also the presence of dry chemical or halon-
type fire extinguishers in an area containing
oxidizer-type chemicals. NFPA 430 also points out
the ineffectiveness of any extinguishing system that
relies upon a smothering effect since the oxidizer
chemicals do not require air to maintain reaction.
National Fire Protection Association
1 Batterymarch Park
Quincy, MA 02269-9101
Telephone: (617) 770-3000
Website: www.nfpa.org
The Chlorine Institute has several pamphlets of
interest, including:
Sodium Hypochlorite Safety and Handling,
Pamphlet 96, May 2000
The Chlorine Institute, Inc.
2001 L Street, NW.
Washington, D.C. 20036-4919
Telephone: (202) 775-2790
Website: www.cl2.com
The Canadian Transport Emergency Center,
CANUTEC, has written an article in response to the
calls received from individuals and fire departments
requesting information on pool chemicals.
Swimming Pool Chemicals - revised September
1999 - by Jacques Savard, Ph.D. This paper covers
spills, disposal, neutralization, and first aid. The
paper is available on CANUTEC's website and is
particularly recommended reading.
CANUTEC
330 Sparks Street, Office 1401
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A ON5
Website:
www.tc.gc. ca/canutec/en/articles/documents/po
ol.htm
EPA's Chemical Emergency Preparedness and
Prevention Office has previously written an advisory
targetted at LEPC's concerning chemicals used at
swimming pools that may release chlorine:
Advisory: Swimming Pool Chemicals: Chlorine,
OSWER 90-008.1, June 1990. This publication is
available from the EPA
National Service Center for Environmental
Publications (NSCEP).
U.S. EPA/NSCEP
P.O. Box 42419
Cincinnati, Ohio 45242-0419
Telephone: (800) 490-9198
Other Useful Websites
LEPC Database This database is a list of the
LEPCs in each state, including where appropriate,
links to state websites.
http://www.epa.gov/ceppo/lepclist.htm
Statutes and Regulations
In addition to the recommendations for improved
hazard control, you may be subject to certain
regulations. In particular, you need to determine
whether the following regulations related to
emergency planning, release reporting, and
hazardous materials worker protection are applicable
to your facility.
EPA
Emergency Planning & Community Right-to-Know
• Emergency Planning [40 CFR Part 355]-
Facilities that have listed substances above a
specified threshold quantity must report to their
LEPC and SERC and comply with certain
requirements for emergency planning.
• Emergency Release Notification [40 CFR Part
355]- Facilities that release listed chemicals over
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reportable quantity must immediately report the
release to the LEPC and the SERC.
Hazardous Chemical Reporting [40 CFR Part
370]- Facilities that have listed chemicals at or
above threshold quantity must submit MSDSs to
their LEPC, SERC, and local fire department and
comply with the Tier I/ Tier II inventory
reporting requirements.
Toxic Chemicals Release Inventory [40 CFR Part
372] - Manufacturing businesses with ten or
more employees that manufacture, process, or
otherwise use listed chemicals above an
applicable threshold must file annually a Toxic
Chemical Release form with EPA and the state.
Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation, and Liability Act
• Hazardous Substance Release Reporting [40
CFR Part 302]- Facilities must report to the
National Response Center any environmental
release which exceeds reportable quantities. A
release may trigger a response by EPA, or by
one or more Federal or state emergency response
authorities.
OSHA
Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency
Response Standard [29 CFR 1910.120]- Facilities
must comply with worker protection requirements
for emergency response operations for release of, or
substantial threats of release of, hazardous
substances.
Process Safety Management Standard [29 CFR
1910]- Facilities with highly hazardous substances
in quantities at or above a threshold quantity are
subject to a number of requirements for management
of hazards, including performing a process hazards
analysis and maintaining mechanical integrity of
equipment.
Hazard Communication [29 CFR 1910.1200]-
Facilities are required to evaluate the potential
hazards of toxic and hazardous chemicals.
Employers transmit this information to their
employees.
For additional information on OSHA standards
contact OSHA Public Information at (202) 219-
8151. Website: www.osha.gov
For More Information:
Contact the Emergency Planning and
Community Right-to-Know Hotline
(800) 424-9346 or (703) 412-9810
TDD (800) 553-7672
Monday-Friday, 9 AM to 6PM, Eastern Time
Visit The CEPPO Home Page on the World
Web at: http://www.epa.gov/swercepp/
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Table 1 Recent Incidents Involving Swimming Pool Water Treatment Chemicals
Month
Year
City State
Brief Description of Incident
Effect
February
2000
Elizabethtown,
Tennessee
Fire and smoke from a storage facility that
contained chemicals including swimming
pool water treatment chemicals. The fire
was in an area isolated from the pool
chemicals, however particular precautions
were taken to prevent the pool chemicals
from becoming involved.
Local school closed early to
relieve traffic congestion; local
residents advised to remain
indoors. No injuries reported.
October
1999
Avon,
Indiana
Fumes released from container of a strong
acid that was being used to clean a high
school swimming pool.
School evacuated. No injuries
reported.
August
1999
Burlington,
New Jersey
A pallet containing 400 Ibs of calcium
hypochlorite spilled at a warehouse. The
spill was caused by the corrosion of steel
shelving on which the material was stored.
The spilled material mixed with other
incompatible materials, resulting in fire and
release of products of combustion and
decomposition including chlorine gas.
Five warehouse workers were
hospitalized from the toxic gas
exposure. Twenty-four others
were treated and released.
August
1999
Bergen
County,
New Jersey
Granular chlorinating material, similar to
that used for swimming pool water
treatment, spilled while moving a container
in a warehouse.
Released vapors sent 28
government workers to area
hospitals.
July
1999
Richmond,
Virginia
Chemical exploded as it was prepared for
release into apartment complex pool.
One employee injured.
June
1999
Cleveland,
Ohio
Toxic fumes released at local community
center swimming pool, when pool water
chemicals including muriatic acid were
inadvertently mixed.
Two fire fighters and two others
injured and area evacuated.
February
1999
Fort Worth,
Texas
Fire, smoke and vapors released from large
warehouse containing pool chemicals and
other materials. The cause of the fire was
not reported.
Warehouse destroyed. No injuries
reported; residents told to remain
indoors.
December
1998
Auburn,
New
Hampshire
Small explosion and vapors were released
when about a cup of swimming pool
chemical was improperly disposed of at a
regional waste treatment station.
Four minor injuries. Waste
treatment station shut down.
July
1998
Dayton,
Ohio
Toxic cloud was generated when muriatic
acid was inadvertently mixed with a
chlorinator product at local community
center swimming pool.
Nine people sent to the hospital.
June
1997
Watervleit,
New York
Water leaking from sprinkler system
wetted water reactive pool chemicals,
starting fire at pool chemical storage,
repackaging and distribution building.
Smoke and chlorine gas released into
building and area.
Nearby residents evacuated as a
precautionary measure.
July
1996
Chatsworth,
California
Fire and toxic vapor release at a swimming
pool supply facility was attributed to
improper mixing of muriatic acid and
sodium hypochlorite (bleach).
Three people were injured and an
eight-block area was closed to
traffic.
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