Housing Requirements for Chlorine (Cl₂) Disinfection and Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂) Dechlorination Systems

1. (a) Floor Drains. A floor drain from a Cl₂ or SO₂ feed or storage room must not drain to any pipe system connected to any other room of the facility.

2. (b) Doors and Windows.

   1. (1) Each door must:

      1. (A) open to the outside of the building; and
      2. (B) include panic hardware.
   2. (2) Each room must have at least one clear, gas-tight window in an exterior door.
   3. (3) A room may have additional windows to ensure the disinfection and dechlorination systems may be viewed without entering an enclosed room.

3. (c) Ventilation.

   1. (1) An enclosed storage and feed room must have forced mechanical ventilation with at least 1.0 air exchange every 3.0 minutes.

   2. (2) Exhaust equipment must have:

      1. (A) external controls; and
      2. (B) leak detection equipment.
   3. (3) A fan must be located at the top of the room to push air across the room and through an exhaust vent located at the bottom of the room on the opposite side.
   4. (4) An exhaust system may use negative pressure ventilation instead of forced mechanical ventilation if the facility has gas containment and treatment as prescribed by the National Fire Protection Association's Uniform Fire Code.

   5. (5) A vent from the SO₂ or Cl₂ gas feed systems must exhaust to a point that is:

      1. (A) not frequented by facility staff;
      2. (B) not near a fresh air intake; and
      3. (C) clearly marked.

4. (d) Gas Detectors and Protection.

   1. (1) An area containing Cl₂ or SO₂ under pressure must have a gas detector and alarm system.

   2. (2) An area used for handling pressurized gases must have respiratory and protective equipment that meets the requirements of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

      1. (A) The respiratory equipment must be immediately accessible and included in the facility's operation and maintenance manual.
      2. (B) The storage of respiratory equipment in any room where gas under pressure is stored or used is prohibited.
      3. (C) Instructions for using the respiratory equipment must be kept with or posted next to the equipment.
      4. (D) The respiratory equipment must use compressed air and must have at least a 30-minute capacity.

Source Note:The provisions of this §217.278 adopted to be effective August 28, 2008, 33 TexReg 6843.