Onsite Training Workshops

This essential workshop focuses on the safe operation of chlorine systems, targeting water and wastewater operators, recreational facility staff, and their supervisors.  Participants will gain critical knowledge and skills to mitigate the dangers associated with chlorine gas and ensure compliance with safety regulations.

Here's a breakdown of the workshop content:

• Dangers and Risks of Chlorine Gas:  A comprehensive overview of the hazards posed by chlorine gas, including its toxicity, potential health effects, and the risks associated with leaks or releases.
   
• Safe Handling of Chlorine Gas:  Detailed instruction on safe handling procedures for chlorine gas, including proper storage, transportation, and usage techniques.  This will cover engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
   
• Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) Training:  Hands-on training in the proper use of SCBAs, essential equipment for responding to chlorine leaks or other emergencies.  Participants will gain confidence in donning, using, and maintaining SCBAs.
   
• Compliance with Provincial Occupational Health & Safety Regulations:  A thorough review of the relevant provincial regulations regarding chlorine gas safety, ensuring attendees understand their responsibilities and how to maintain compliance. This includes specific regulations related to training, emergency response plans, and hazard communication.

The classroom-based portion of the workshop provides a comprehensive overview of chlorine use, safety, and emergency procedures, designed for operators and personnel working with chlorine systems.

Here's a breakdown of the topics covered:

• Chlorine Properties, Use, History, and Chemistry:  This section covers the fundamental properties of chlorine, its various uses (primarily disinfection), a brief history of its application, and the basic chemistry of chlorine in water treatment.
   
• Chlorine Disinfection Basics:  Explains the principles of chlorine disinfection, including how it works to inactivate microorganisms and factors that influence its effectiveness (e.g., pH, contact time, concentration).
   
• Chlorine Gas Fed Systems Review:  A detailed review of chlorine gas feed systems, including the components, operation, and safety considerations specific to these systems.
   
• WSA and Other Regulated Facility Requirements:  Covers the requirements related to chlorine use and storage as outlined by the Water Security Agency (WSA) and other relevant regulatory bodies.  This will ensure compliance with all applicable regulations.
   
• Chlorine Cylinder Handling/Changing of Cylinders:  Provides detailed instructions and best practices for safely handling and changing chlorine cylinders, including proper lifting techniques, connection procedures, and leak detection methods.
   
• SCBA Basics – Part Identification / Inspection / Donning and Doffing:  Introduces the fundamentals of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) use, including identifying the parts of an SCBA unit, performing pre-use inspections, and practicing donning (putting on) and doffing (taking off) the equipment.
   
• Emergency Containment Procedures:  Covers the procedures to follow in the event of a chlorine leak or other emergency, including activation of alarms, evacuation protocols, and the use of emergency containment equipment.

The hands-on portion of the training will: 

Focus on practical skills and preparedness for chlorine gas emergencies, building upon the theoretical knowledge gained in the classroom session.  Participants will gain valuable experience with SCBA equipment and emergency procedures.

Here's a breakdown of the hands-on activities:

• SCBA Familiarization, Inspection, and Use: Operators will have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the specific SCBA units provided by their employer.  This includes hands-on inspection to ensure the equipment is in good working order and practice using the SCBA under simulated emergency conditions.
   
• Simulated Chlorine Gas Cylinder Change (with SCBA):  Participants will practice changing (or simulating a change of) a chlorine gas cylinder while wearing their SCBA. This exercise will simulate the challenges and safety considerations involved in this task under potentially hazardous conditions.
   
• Emergency "A Kit" Installation (with SCBA):  Operators will practice installing the emergency "A Kit" while wearing their SCBA.  This exercise will ensure they are prepared to respond quickly and effectively to chlorine leaks or other emergencies.