Precautions for Sulfur Dioxide

Precautions for Sulfur Dioxide in Chemical Industry

Sulfur dioxide is widely used in the chemical industry. What are the precautions for its storage and handling?

I. Firefighting Measures

1. Hazard Characteristics: Non-flammable. Under high temperatures, pressure inside the container may increase, potentially leading to rupture.
2. Hazardous Combustion Products: Sulfur oxides.
3. Firefighting Methods:
   • The product itself does not burn.
   • Firefighters must wear filtered masks or self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and full-body protectivegear. Attack flames from upwind.
   • Shut off the gas supply.
   • Cool containers exposed to flames with water spray. Move containers away from the fire if safe to do so.
   • Extinguishing Agents: Water fog, foam, or carbon dioxide.

II. Sulfur Dioxide Leak Handling

1. Evacuate personnel to elevated areas and isolate the contaminated zone. Maintain a 150-meter radius for minor leaks and 450 meters for major leaks.
2. Emergency responders must wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and enter the site upwind.
3. If possible, stop the leak at its source.
4. Cover drains and areas near the leak with industrial sealants or absorbents to prevent gas ingress.
5. Enhance ventilation to disperse gas. Use water spray to dilute and dissolve the gas.
6. Construct barriers or dig pits to contain contaminated water.
7. Use scrubbers to direct gas through sodium hypochlorite solution (if feasible).
8. Leaked containers must be inspected, repaired, and properly treated before reuse.

III. Operational Precautions

1. Ensure strict sealing and adequate local exhaust ventilation.
2. Operators must receive training and strictly follow procedures.
3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Self-priming filtering face masks, polyethylene protective clothing, and rubber gloves.
4. Keep away from flammable/explosive materials.
5. Prevent gas leaks into workplace air. Avoid contact with oxidizers.
6. Handle cylinders carefully during transport to prevent damage to valves or accessories.
7. Equip the area with leak emergency response tools.

IV. Storage Precautions

1. Store in a cool, well-ventilated warehouse away from ignition sources and heat.
2. Storage temperature must not exceed 30°C.
3. Keep separate from flammable/combustible materials, oxidizers, reducers, and food-related chemicals.
4. Storage areas must be equipped with leak emergency response equipment.