Who should be the point of contact for issues involving chlorine spills?

The most appropriate point of contact for issues involving chlorine spills is CHEMTREC. CHEMTREC, or the Chemical Emergency Emergency Transportation Center, is a valuable resource specifically for handling hazardous materials incidents. They provide immediate assistance and expert guidance for emergency responders and are available 24 hours a day. They have access to extensive databases that include information on safe handling, containment, and remediation protocols for many hazardous chemicals, including chlorine. This makes them particularly well-suited to address the complexities and dangers associated with chemical spills.

In contrast, while the Fire Department is equipped to respond to hazardous incidents, they may not have immediate access to the specialized information required for managing specific chemicals during a spill. Local Police focus more on security and public order rather than hazardous materials management, and the Environmental Protection Agency typically deals with broader regulatory issues and may not be available for immediate response in an emergency situation. Therefore, CHEMTREC serves as the best option for coordinating the response to chlorine spills effectively.