The United Nations (UN) Number system is a globally recognized classification used to identify hazardous substances during transportation. Each UN number corresponds to a specific chemical or group of chemicals, allowing for quick and clear identification in logistics, emergency response, and regulatory contexts.
UN ID Number 1017 is among these identifiers, and understanding its chemical name and properties is essential for safe handling, storage, and emergency measures.
Understanding UN Numbers
UN numbers, also known as UN IDs or UN codes, are four-digit numbers assigned by the United Nations Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods. This system helps standardize the identification of hazardous materials worldwide.
These numbers are vital in shipping documents, safety data sheets (SDS), and labeling to prevent accidents and ensure compliance with international safety regulations.
“The UN number system is an essential tool for the safe transport of dangerous goods, enabling responders to quickly recognize substances and take appropriate actions.”
UN 1017: The Chemical Name
The UN number 1017 corresponds to the chemical known as Chlorine. Chlorine is a highly reactive, greenish-yellow gas at room temperature with a pungent, suffocating odor.
It is widely used in water treatment, chemical manufacturing, and as a disinfectant.
Chlorine’s chemical formula is Cl2, representing a diatomic molecule that exists naturally as a gas under standard conditions.
| UN Number | Chemical Name | Chemical Formula | Physical State |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1017 | Chlorine | Cl2 | Gas (greenish-yellow) |
Properties of Chlorine (UN 1017)
Chlorine is a member of the halogen family and is highly reactive due to its electronegativity. It readily forms compounds with most elements and is widely used industrially as a bleaching agent and disinfectant.
Key physical and chemical properties include:
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Molecular Weight | 70.90 g/mol |
| Boiling Point | -34.04 °C (-29.27 °F) |
| Melting Point | -101.5 °C (-150.7 °F) |
| Density (gas at 0°C, 1 atm) | 3.214 g/L |
| Appearance | Greenish-yellow gas |
| Odor | Pungent, irritating |
| Reactivity | Highly reactive, strong oxidizer |
Physical Hazards
Chlorine gas is toxic and can cause severe respiratory irritation or damage upon exposure. It is also corrosive to moist skin and mucous membranes.
Due to its density, chlorine gas tends to accumulate near the ground, increasing exposure risks.
Chemical Hazards
It reacts violently with many substances, including hydrocarbons, ammonia, and certain metals. Chlorine can form explosive mixtures with hydrogen and is a strong oxidizing agent, which can contribute to combustion risks.
Uses of Chlorine (UN 1017)
Chlorine plays a vital role in many industrial and municipal applications. Some of the major uses include:
- Water Treatment: Chlorine is added to drinking water and swimming pools to kill bacteria and other pathogens.
- Bleaching Agent: Widely used in paper and textile industries to bleach wood pulp and fabrics.
- Chemical Manufacturing: Serves as a raw material in producing PVC, solvents, pesticides, and other chemicals.
- Disinfection: Used in sanitizing surfaces and equipment in healthcare and food industries.
Transport and Safety Regulations for UN 1017
Due to its hazardous nature, the transport of chlorine is strictly regulated under international laws such as the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code, and others.
Chlorine is classified as a Class 2.3 (Toxic Gas) and Division 2.3 (Poisonous Gas) under the UN hazard classification system.
| Regulation | Classification | Packaging Group | Hazard Labels |
|---|---|---|---|
| UN Recommendations | Toxic Gas (Class 2.3) | Not assigned | Toxic Gas, Corrosive |
| IMDG Code | Class 2.3 | None | Label 2.3 (Toxic Gas) |
Packaging and Handling
Chlorine is typically transported in pressurized steel cylinders or tankers designed to withstand its corrosive and reactive nature. The containers must be equipped with safety valves, pressure relief devices, and be clearly labeled with the UN number 1017 and hazard class labels.
Personnel handling chlorine must use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including respirators, gloves, and protective clothing, to prevent exposure.
Emergency Response for Spills or Releases of UN 1017
Accidental release of chlorine gas can pose significant risks to human health and the environment. Emergency responders must be prepared to act quickly to contain and mitigate exposure.
“In the event of a chlorine gas leak, evacuation of the affected area and immediate notification of hazardous material teams is critical to prevent casualties and environmental damage.”
Health Effects of Chlorine Exposure
Inhalation of chlorine gas irritates the respiratory tract, causing coughing, choking, and difficulty breathing. At high concentrations, it can cause pulmonary edema and death.
Skin and eye contact can result in burns and severe irritation.
Emergency medical treatment should focus on removing the patient from exposure and providing oxygen or respiratory support as needed.
Containment Measures
Responders should avoid direct contact with the gas and use self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Chlorine leaks can sometimes be controlled by shutting valves or applying water sprays to absorb and dilute the gas.
Evacuation zones should be established downwind from the release point to minimize exposure risk.
Chemical Alternatives and Substitutes
Due to its hazards, safer alternatives to chlorine are sometimes preferred in applications such as water treatment. These can include:
- Chloramine: A less volatile disinfectant formed by combining ammonia and chlorine.
- Ozone: A strong oxidizer used for water purification without chlorine’s toxicity.
- UV Light: Disinfects water by destroying microorganisms without chemical residues.
However, chlorine remains widely used due to its cost-effectiveness and powerful disinfectant properties.
Summary
UN Number 1017 identifies Chlorine (Cl2), a toxic, greenish-yellow gas with strong oxidizing and disinfecting properties. It is essential in many industrial processes but poses significant health and safety risks.
Proper transport, handling, and emergency response procedures must be followed to reduce the dangers associated with this chemical. Understanding the UN number and the associated chemical name is crucial for regulatory compliance, safety, and environmental protection.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| UN Number | 1017 |
| Chemical Name | Chlorine |
| Chemical Formula | Cl2 |
| Hazard Class | Toxic Gas (Class 2.3) |
| Physical State | Gas |
| Main Uses | Water treatment, bleaching, chemical manufacturing |
Knowledge of UN 1017 and its chemical identity helps ensure the safe management of chlorine across industries and during transportation worldwide.
