Professional Documents
Culture Documents
1. INTRODUCTION .....................................................................................................................1
1.1 Scope ................................................................................................................................ 1
1.2 Chlorine Institute Stewardship Program............................................................................ 1
1.3 Definitions ......................................................................................................................... 1
1.4 Disclaimer ......................................................................................................................... 1
1.5 Approval ............................................................................................................................ 2
1.6 Revisions........................................................................................................................... 2
1.7 Reproduction..................................................................................................................... 2
6. TRAINING..............................................................................................................................13
6.1 General ........................................................................................................................... 13
6.2 Mandatory Training Requirements .................................................................................. 13
7. REGULATIONS .....................................................................................................................14
7.1 Canadian Regulations..................................................................................................... 14
7.2 Department of Transportation (DOT) Regulations .......................................................... 14
7.3 Other Regulations ........................................................................................................... 16
8. REFERENCES ......................................................................................................................17
8.1 Institute Publications ....................................................................................................... 17
8.2 Other References............................................................................................................ 17
ii
GUIDELINES FOR THE SAFE MOTOR VEHICULAR TRANSPORTATION
OF CHLORINE CYLINDERS AND TON CONTAINERS 1
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 SCOPE
The motor vehicular transportation of chlorine is extensively regulated by DOT and TC. This
pamphlet is not meant as a summary or substitute for those regulations. All persons
transporting chlorine or offering chlorine for transportation should be thoroughly familiar with
all applicable regulations.
The Chlorine Institute, Inc. exists to support the chlor-alkali industry and serve the public by
fostering continuous improvements to safety and the protection of human health and the
environment connected with the production, distribution and use of chlorine, sodium and
potassium hydroxides, and sodium hypochlorite; and the distribution and use of hydrogen
chloride. This support extends to giving continued attention to the security of chlorine
handling operations.
Chlorine Institute members are committed to adopting CI’s safety and stewardship
initiatives, including pamphlets, checklists, and incident sharing, that will assist members in
achieving measurable improvement. For more information on the Institute’s stewardship
program, visit CI’s website at www.chlorineinstitute.org.
1.3 DEFINITIONS
TC Transport Canada
1.4 DISCLAIMER
The information in this pamphlet is drawn from sources believed to be reliable. The Institute
and its members, jointly and severally, make no guarantee, and assume no liability, in
connection with any of this information.
2 PAMPHLET 76
Moreover, it should not be assumed that every acceptable procedure is included, or that
special circumstances may not warrant modified or additional procedures. The user should
be aware that changing technology or regulations may require a change in the
recommendations herein. Appropriate steps should be taken that the information is current
when used. These suggestions should not be confused with federal, state, provincial,
municipal, or insurance requirements, or with national safety codes.
1.5 APPROVAL
The Institute's Transportation Issue Team approved Edition 4 of this pamphlet on March 20,
2007.
1.6 REVISIONS
1.7 REPRODUCTION
The contents of this pamphlet are not to be copied for publication, in whole or in part,
without prior Institute permission.
Closed vans and box trailers are commonly used for shipping chlorine cylinders. However,
modifying standard equipment to improve the safe transportation of chlorine cylinders is
recommended. Among these modifications are the following:
2.1.1 Decking
Diamond plate steel decks offer some advantages over wooden floors for truck or trailer
beds such as resistance to rotting, reducing the risk of fires, and reducing maintenance.
The floor thickness should be a minimum of 5/16" unless applied over original wooden
decks, in which case 1/4" is considered acceptable. However, wood decking does not
present the slipping hazard that exists with wet steel decking. Typical specifications for
wood decking in van trucks or box trailers call for 1-1/8" laminated oak flooring laid over
structural steel cross-members. For open bodied trucks and flat-bed trailers, 1-3/4" oak
ship-lap flooring is generally used.
Steel rings can be used to anchor strapping and chains for securing the cylinder load.
These rings should be attached to the van or trailer box wall by bolting through the side
walls.
GUIDELINES FOR THE SAFE MOTOR VEHICULAR TRANSPORTATION
OF CHLORINE CYLINDERS AND TON CONTAINERS 3
The rings should be located at two levels, approximately 15" and 36", from the floor. (If
compressed gas cylinders with different heights are transported in the van or box trailer,
additional levels of rings may be required.)
Logistic rail (wall track or E track) is widely used with patented fasteners as part of
containment systems for shipping chlorine cylinders. Rail at levels of approximately 15" and
36" off the truck bed floor should be installed and fastened to structural members of the van
or trailer box walls (Figure 2).
The recommended method of containing chlorine cylinders in van trucks or box trailers
employs loads bars (with a logistic rail system) or nylon strapping (with logistic rails or wall
rings) (Figures 1 & 2). The load bars are suggested when load of cylinders consists of a
sufficient number to fill the van/box or a bay of the van/box (Figure 3).
Nylon straps can be used to augment this method. Patented systems using load bars are
available. Nylon straps with a 3000 lb minimum test rating are recommended for containing
nested clusters of chlorine cylinders along the van or trailer box wall. If more than 10
cylinders are to be contained in a cluster, higher strength rated straps should be used. The
strength rating of the nylon strap binding should be at least half the weight of the product to
be secured (49 CFR 393.102(b)). The nylon strap binding should be applied at the 15" and
36" levels around the cylinders. A ratchet buckle is the preferred method for tightening the
straps. Care must be taken if chains are used for containing chlorine cylinders in vans or
closed trailers since the binder often requires excessive force to close and release; strain
can pull out the wall rings or buckle the walls. Chains and cables, when equipped with lever
binders are not recommended due to the tendency of the binder handle to flip open.
Cylinders secured to pallets offer a safe, secure method of shipping chlorine cylinders if the
proper loading and unloading equipment (e.g. forklift trucks, loading docks, etc.) are
available at the shipping and delivery points. Special caged pallets, capable of holding 12
to 16 cylinders, normally constructed of metal can be used when the truck bed construction
allows. Reinforcement of the bed may be required to handle the loaded pallets.
GUIDELINES FOR THE SAFE MOTOR VEHICULAR TRANSPORTATION
OF CHLORINE CYLINDERS AND TON CONTAINERS 5
When used in transportation, provisions must be made for securing the pallets to the truck
or trailer bed. A standard pallet size of 40-1/4" x 45-1/2" will hold 16 chlorine cylinders
(Figure 4).
Another frequently used method of transporting chlorine cylinders over the road is by stake-
bodied trucks and trailers.
2.2.1 Construction
The decking construction recommendations for these units are covered in Section 2.1.1.
In the absence of the van or box trailer walls, vertical stakes and horizontal cross bars
constructed of tubular steel must be used for the sides and ends. The 36" high vertical
stakes should be welded to the deck frame. Cross bars with end lock fittings and keyed
receptacles or pockets in the vertical stakes are positioned at heights of approximately 15"
and 36" above the decking. These cross bars can be integrated with a logistic rail (load bar)
system. (If solid bulkheads are used in lieu of stakes, a minimum height of 42" is
recommended.)
The combination of load bars and chains with acceptable binders, are recommended for
securing chlorine cylinders in open bodied trucks or trailers (Figures 1 & 3). The strength of
load binders must be equal to or greater than the minimum strength specified for the chains
(49 CFR 393.102(b)).
6 PAMPHLET 76
The recommendation in Section 2.1.4 with regard to nesting cylinders and the use of pallets
also applies to open trucks and trailers. Secured containment racks can also be used.
(See Section 3.1.3)
Trucks and trailers used for transporting chlorine cylinders should be equipped with electric
or hydraulic liftgates for loading and unloading to ground level, unless severe climate
conditions prevent reliable operation.
The selection of liftgates is based on preference and service with mounting either on the
side or rear of the trailer bed. However, it is important to observe the weight limitation of the
unit installed. A minimum capacity of 5000 lbs is recommended. Frequent maintenance
checks, with particular attention to lubrication of cables and safety stops, are essential for
safe operation. Climatic conditions should be considered when determining the frequency
of lift gate preventive maintenance service.
Provision must be made for side and rear guards on the tail gate platform while raising or
lowering cylinders. Removable railings or swing gates with cross members at 15" and 36"
heights or custom guard rail systems offer the required protection (Figure 5).
Hand trucks are recommended to move cylinders from the delivery truck to the storage area
unless other suitable equipment is available. Horizontal loading of cylinders is not
recommended because a valve leak when a cylinder is in the horizontal position may leak
liquid chlorine.
GUIDELINES FOR THE SAFE MOTOR VEHICULAR TRANSPORTATION
OF CHLORINE CYLINDERS AND TON CONTAINERS 7
Although it is recognized that large quantities of chlorine in ton containers are transported in
closed van trucks and box trailers in North America (e.g. containerized export shipments),
most ton containers are moved over the road in open top trailers. It is beyond the scope of
this pamphlet to detail the requirements for the running gear, such as tandem axles,
computerized brakes, etc. The selection of equipment of this type is dictated by federal,
state, and provincial regulations. Note, care must be taken to secure labels in open top
vehicles.
Likewise, the weight limitations may vary from state to state while Canadian limits exceed
those in the U.S.
3.1.1 Decking
Recommendations for floor decking are covered in Section 2.1.1. Specialized unloading
systems used on trailers dedicated to ton container transportation service, such as the
automatic unloading units, are built either with or without floor decking (3.1.3).
Except for self-unloading trailers, the need to roll the containers to the rear of the trailer bed
prevents the use of fixed chocks or cradles for each container. DOT regulates securement
systems, including the number and strength of chains needed to secure cylinders and ton
containers in 49 CFR 393. The rule states that the aggregate working load limit of the tie-
down assemblies used to secure an article in any direction must be at least one half the
weight of the article. Different sizes and numbers of chains are needed to secure various
numbers and tare weights of ton containers. For example, two lengths of a 3/8-inch, grade
4 chain can secure up to six tons with an average filled weight of 3,600 lbs or less. If the
average weight is greater than 3,600 lbs, then you must use either a stronger chain or else
use three lengths of this type of chain. Consult the regulation for specific information.
It is recommended that each shipper develop a schedule to visually examine all chains and
straps used to secure chlorine containers. The following items should be looked at:
• wear • bend
• nicks • throat size of hooks
• cracks • chains must move freely with adjacent links
• breaks • cuts
• gouges • fraying
• stretch
8 PAMPHLET 76
If more than six containers are to be secured with one set of chains, the breaking strengths
of the chains must be considered. Nylon straps should only be used to secure individual ton
containers. Wooden, rubber or other suitable material chocks or steel mechanical wedges
should be placed under each ton container as an additional safeguard. The front bulkhead
should be reinforced as illustrated in Figure 7.
It is recommended that side rails be 36" high if a lifting beam is not used for loading or
unloading. A 25" height is recommended if a lifting beam is used. Square, tubular
construction of the side rails and cross members is specified and detailed in Section 2.2.1
Rear roll-off protection must be provided.
A reinforced, removable guard rail or a 15" high contour fitting steel chock anchored behind
the rear-most container to the truck bed with pins or chains is an effective restraint. Joining
the two rear-most containers at the chimes with 8-inch drop-forged "C" clamps can help
prevent containers from rolling and is a recommended practice (Figure 8). The "C" clamp
should be secured to the vehicle in case it becomes loose.
GUIDELINES FOR THE SAFE MOTOR VEHICULAR TRANSPORTATION
OF CHLORINE CYLINDERS AND TON CONTAINERS 9
There are a number of trailers operated by chlorine packagers which have equipment
mounted on the trailer to load and unload ton containers. Fixed, mounted, hydraulic,
telescoping booms, traveling booms, and over-head, mono-railed chain hoists are in this
category. Proper training in the operation of these trucks is essential. If over-extended, it
can cause a lack of stability to the trailer and/or damage to the crane. (Figure 9)
One method of securing ton containers on this type of equipment is with individual cradles
and lock down devices (Figure 10).
10 PAMPHLET 76
Alternate methods include use of individual stationary chocks and 3/8" proof-coil chains
(35,000 lbs minimum breaking strength for up to six ton containers) with load binders to
secure the tons to the bed. If more than six containers are to be secured with one set of
chains, the breaking strength of the chain must be considered. Where individual cradles
and lockdown devices are not used, the recommendations stated in Section 3.1.2 for side
rails, front bulkhead, and rear roll off protection apply. This pamphlet will make no attempt
to cover the safety considerations in operating specialized self-loading and unloading
equipment for chlorine ton containers that are mounted on the trailers. Following the
manufacturer’s instructions is important.
The use of lifting beams either on the overhead cranes, traveling electric hoists, or fork lift
trucks is frequently employed by shipper and customer for loading and unloading ton
containers. Proper design of the lifting beam is essential (8.2.11). A majority of packaging
plants use fork lift trucks for handling ton containers. Some use special attachments
designed specifically for ton containers or extra long forks with tilt capabilities. Extreme
care must be exercised when operating fork lift trucks in ton container service. Among
consideration are:
• avoid speeding
Trailers and trucks may be equipped with electric or hydraulic tailgates (5000 lbs minimum
capacity). While raising or lowering the tailgate a positive means of preventing the ton
container from rolling off must be provided. Recommended methods include removable
chocks pinned into the floor or heavy duty pipes with welded stops. These are dropped into
slightly larger diameter holes in the tailgate floor. Proper training of personnel to guard
against strains, toe injuries, etc. is important when moving ton containers manually.
Devices such as a chime wrench maybe used to facilitate moving ton containers. Provision
for securing or restraining the lever binder handle should be made to prevent it from working
loose. Overextending the fasteners can cause them to flip open and injure the operator
sometimes catapulting an operator off the truck. The use of lever binders on cables and
over-center type clamps are not recommended.
Double stacking of full ton containers on trailers is not recommended unless the trailers are
equipped with specially designed cradles and lock-down devices. Empty ton containers
may be double stacked on trailers provided adequate securement is provided to prevent
movement in transit.
4. COMBINATION SHIPMENTS
Combination loads of chlorine cylinders and one ton containers are frequently shipped.
When this is done refer to Sections 2 and 3 for securement methods.
Shipments of chlorine cylinders and one ton containers are sometimes combined with other
hazardous and non-hazardous chemicals. When shipping chlorine in this manner, the
provisions of 49 CFR 177.848 dealing with the separation and segregation of hazardous
materials must be considered. DOT Regulations can be found in 49 CFR 177 "Carriage by
public highway."
Canadian Regulations can be found in the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act &
Regulations.
12 PAMPHLET 76
The use of common carriers for transporting cylinders and ton containers of chlorine
requires careful consideration. The shipper must be certain that any and all employees
(drivers, warehouse and others) involved in any way with the preparation for transportation
of hazardous materials are properly trained, and the training is documented per DOT
Requirements. In an emergency, the driver may become involved in the implementation of
emergency plans. Drivers need to be familiar with the details of such a plan. The shipper
must confirm that the carrier uses only drivers with valid commercial driver’s licenses with
the required hazardous materials endorsement.
Regulations require that any carrier who transports (among other hazardous commodities) a
shipment of Hazard Zone B materials in a bulk packaging (capacity greater than 450 L [119
gallons] must apply for and be awarded a Hazardous Materials Safety Permit. Criteria for
award are the maintenance of a Satisfactory safety rating and Safersys scoring below 75 in
all three categories (vehicle, driver and accident). As chlorine is a Hazard Zone B material
and ton containers have a water capacity greater then 119 gallons, any carrier transporting
chlorine must be in possession of this document.
Carriers transporting materials that require such a permit must develop a communications
log where the motor carrier is advised by the driver that the shipment arrived as scheduled.
Logs must be maintained for a period of six months.
Regulations require that hazardous materials carriers develop and institute a Transportation
Security Plan as described in 49 CFR Part 172 Subpart I. When developing these plans
requirements of CI’s Security Management Plan for the Transportation and On-Site Storage
and Use of Chlorine Cylinders, Ton Containers and Cargo Tanks should be considered. All
drivers must receive training on the contents of the carrier’s plan. As the carrier plan is
considered a safety sensitive document it is not appropriate to request a copy of this plan
from your carrier. Rather you should obtain certification by the carrier that the plan is in
place and conforms with all applicable requirements.
Regulations require that hazardous materials carriers develop and institute a Security
Awareness Training program as described in 49 CFR Part 172 Subpart H. All drivers must
receive this training.
GUIDELINES FOR THE SAFE MOTOR VEHICULAR TRANSPORTATION
OF CHLORINE CYLINDERS AND TON CONTAINERS 13
All carriers transporting hazardous materials must register with the Pipeline and Hazardous
Material Safety Administration. Evidence of this registration must be carried in the
transport.
In order to relinquish a parcel of any hazardous material, the shipper must prepare and
forward, along with the commodity, a shipping paper that complies fully with 49 CFR
177.817.
6. TRAINING
6.1 GENERAL
Every person working with chlorine should be trained to ensure safe handling of the product
during packaging, storage and transportation (8.2.5).
All hazmat employees should know the proper ways to handle chlorine, should know how to
use appropriate protective devices, should know methods of detecting hazards, and should
know what to do in case of an emergency.
Mandatory training requirements have been established by DOT and Transport Canada.
Other training requirements exist including OSHA and EPA (reference Pamphlet 151) For
DOT Training Requirements refer to 49 CFR:
177.800 Purpose and scope of this part and responsibility for compliance
and training.
177.816 Driver training. This section prescribes further driver training for
carriage of hazardous materials and includes such topics as
pre-trip driver inspections, use of vehicle controls, operation of
vehicle, attendance and parking, loading and unloading, cargo
compatibility, package handling and load securement.
7. REGULATIONS
The Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations are made under the Authority of the
Act. There 16 parts to regulations and cover such items as Interpretations, General
Provisions, Classification, Documentation, Dangerous Goods Safety Marks, Means of
Containment, Training, Emergency Response Plan and Accidental Release and Imminent
Accidental Release Report Requirements. Shippers must become familiar with these
regulations and how they could affect their operation.
Guidelines for the safe motor vehicular transportation of chlorine in cylinders and ton
containers can be found in C, Parts 9-16 of the regulation. Shippers of cylinders and ton
containers need to aware there are three (3) schedules to the regulations.
The two main areas that concern transportation of chlorine are Hazardous Material
regulations and the Motor Carrier Safety regulations.
The Hazardous Materials regulations are found in Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations
(CFR) Parts 171 to 180. These parts deal with everything from the classification of the
material, to the qualifications for containers, and includes such things as labeling,
placarding, marking, training, loading and unloading, as well as a number of other areas.
The transportation of hazardous waste is also included in these regulations.
GUIDELINES FOR THE SAFE MOTOR VEHICULAR TRANSPORTATION
OF CHLORINE CYLINDERS AND TON CONTAINERS 15
The Motor Carrier Safety regulations are found in 49 CFR parts 40, 380, 382, 383, 387, 390,
391-397, 399 and Appendix G – Minimum periodic Inspection Standards. These regulations
cover topics from the action of the drivers to maintenance of the vehicles.
The DOT allows the shipment of damaged or leaking chlorine 150-pound cylinders and ton
containers under certain conditions. Each shipper or carrier must become familiar with
these requirements and how they apply to their operation.
Section 173.3, paragraph “d” allows for the use of a recovery vessel to transport a damaged
or leaking 150-pound chlorine cylinder in certain situations. The requirements are too
detailed to address in this pamphlet but information can be obtained through some of the
references in Section 8.
In section 173.3, paragraph “e” authorizes the transportation of 150 pound cylinders and ton
containers that have been fitted with chlorine emergency kit A for 150 pound cylinders or kit
B for ton containers under the following conditions:
3. Personnel applying the kits have been trained in the following areas:
4. Cylinders or ton containers repaired with "A" or "B" kits must be properly blocked
and braced to ensure the package is secured in the transport vehicle.
In addition, the latest edition of Chlorine Pamphlets titled Chlorine Institute Emergency Kit
"A" for 100-lb. & 150-lb. Chlorine Cylinders and Chlorine Institute Emergency Kit "B" for
Chlorine Ton Containers must be on file.
Carrier to report "at earliest practicable moment" incident which occur during transportation
(includes loading, unloading and temporary storage) in which as results of hazardous
material; which causes death, hospitalization, evacuation, road closure etc. [see 171.15].
Report to National Response Center (800-424-8802).
16 PAMPHLET 76
For other incidents in transportation a written report, in duplicate on DOT Form F 5800.1, is
required to be submitted to DOT within 30 days of discovery.
7.2.3 Shipping Cylinders and Ton Containers with Chlorine Emergency Kits Applied
A special DOT exemption is needed to ship containers with emergency kits applied to them.
Contact U.S. DOT or The Chlorine Institute if you need to apply for an exemption.
Chlorine is also regulated under FIFRA(Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act
and CERCLA (Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of
1980). These regulations are outside the scope of this pamphlet.
GUIDELINES FOR THE SAFE MOTOR VEHICULAR TRANSPORTATION
OF CHLORINE CYLINDERS AND TON CONTAINERS 17
8. REFERENCES
8.1.1 Chlorine Manual, ed. 6; Pamphlet 1; The Chlorine Institute: Arlington, VA, 1997.
8.1.2 Packaging Plant Safety and Operational Guidelines, ed. 3, rev.1; Pamphlet 17; The
Chlorine Institute: Arlington, VA, 2002.
8.1.3 Emergency Response Plans for Chlor-Alkali, Sodium Hypochlorite, and Hydrogen
Chloride Facilities, ed. 6; Pamphlet 64; The Chlorine Institute: Arlington, VA, 2006.
8.1.4 Training Guide for Distributors and End-Users of Packaged Chlorine, ed. 2; Pamphlet
151; The Chlorine Institute: Arlington, VA, 2000.
8.1.5 Instruction Booklet: Chlorine Institute Emergency Kit "A" for 100-lb & 150-lb Chlorine
Cylinders, ed. 10; Pamphlet IB/A; The Chlorine Institute: Arlington, VA, 2003.
8.1.6 Instruction Booklet: Chlorine Institute Emergency Kit "B" for Chlorine Ton Containers,
ed. 9; Pamphlet IB/B; The Chlorine Institute: Arlington, VA, 2003.
8.1.7 Instruction Booklet: Chlorine Institute Recovery Vessel for 100-lb and 150-lb Chlorine
Cylinders, ed. 1; Pamphlet IB/RV; The Chlorine Institute: Arlington, VA, 1992.
8.1.8 How to Use the Chlorine Institute Emergency Kit "A" for 100-lb and 150-lb Chlorine
Cylinders, Video; A-VIDEO; The Chlorine Institute: Arlington, VA, 1996.
8.1.9 How to Use the Chlorine Institute Emergency Kit "B" for Chlorine Ton Containers, Video;
B-VIDEO; The Chlorine Institute: Arlington, VA, 2006.
8.1.10 Ton Container Lifting Beam, Drawing; DWG 122-2; The Chlorine Institute: Arlington, VA,
1993.
8.2.2 Code of Federal Regulations. Title 49. Parts 100-399. Office of the Federal Register
National Archives and Records Administration. U.S. Government Printing Office:
Washington, DC, (revised annually).
18 PAMPHLET 76
For further assistance and information on items referenced, contact the following
organizations:
APPENDIX A
CHECKLIST
This check list is designed to emphasize major topics for someone who has already read and
understood the pamphlet. Taking recommendations from this list without understanding related
topics can lead to inappropriate conclusions.
” ” ” 10. Are the chains or straps used to secure them in good condition?
20 PAMPHLET 76
Ton Containers
” ” ” 14. Are nylon straps only used to secure only individual containers?
” ” ” 15. Are you using a “C” clamp to connect the two end containers at
the chimes and is the clamp secured to the vehicle in case it
becomes loose?
” ” ” 16. If individual lock-down devices are used, are all tons properly
secured and is each device in the fully locked position?
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