Tennessee Wastewater Operator Practice Exam

What is the characteristic of chlorine gas in relation to air?

1. Lighter than air

2. Heavier than air

3. Equal to air

4. Odorless

The correct answer is: Heavier than air

Chlorine gas is indeed heavier than air. This characteristic is significant for wastewater operators because it influences how chlorine disperses in the environment and the safety precautions that need to be taken during its handling and storage. When chlorine is released into the atmosphere, being denser than air causes it to settle in low-lying areas and confined spaces, which can lead to increased concentrations of the gas in those areas. This is critical for operators to consider, as it underscores the importance of proper ventilation and monitoring around chlorine storage and usage sites. Understanding that chlorine gas is heavier than air helps in assessing safety risks, as operators need to have plans in place to mitigate the risk of chlorine accumulation, such as ensuring that adequate ventilation systems are in use and that emergency response strategies account for potential chlorine accumulation in low areas.