NRC Information No. 89-04: Potential problems from the use of space heaters

On December 7, 1988, with the Fort Calhoun Station in cold shutdown and defueled, an onsite release of toxic chlorine gas occurred. The chlorine gas leaked from a chlorine gas cylinder when the fusible plug melted because of the proximity of a space heater. The licensee stores the chlorine gas cylinders, used in the purification process of Missouri River water for plant cooling systems, in a ventilated, enclosed room approximately 4 by 6 feet. To keep the cylinders warm in preparation for use, a 13-kW heater was placed in the room. It appears, based on the licensee's initial investigation, that the fusible plug became overheated because of the close proximity of the heater to the cylinder and melted. The melting point of the plug is approximately 160 F. The melted fusible plug initiated the release of the chlorine gas. The licensee detected the chlorine leak by the odor of chlorine gas in the area adjacent to the gas bottle storage room. The area was immediately evacuated