Industrial Strength Podcast – Episode 15: Code Red: Bromine

Episode Overview

In this enlightening and engaging episode, hosts Jeff, Steve, and Randy dive deep into the hazardous world of bromine—a volatile, reddish-brown chemical with significant industrial use and serious safety concerns. From bromine’s chemical properties to real-world incidents involving its release, this episode is both a technical resource and a candid behind-the-scenes look at the realities of industrial hazmat response.

 

Segment Breakdown & Timestamps

00:32 – 01:18 | Introduction & Host Intros

Meet your hosts: Jeff (20-year fire service vet), Steve (industrial response expert), and Randy (17-year hazmat specialist).

01:20 – 02:19 | What Is Bromine?

Learn what makes bromine unique—its appearance, volatility, and uses.

02:19 – 03:42 | Industrial Applications & Chemical Interactions

Discussion on bromine’s diverse uses, especially in water treatment and mercury emissions control.

03:43 – 05:05 | Health Hazards & Exposure Limits

Covering fatal exposure risks, IDLH comparisons with chlorine, and regulatory exposure limits.

05:36 – 08:34 | Personal Anecdotes & Work Conditions

Humorous banter on EHS, exposure monitoring, and real-world work shifts.

09:59 – 11:48 | Bromine Reactions with Water

Exploring bromine's reactive byproducts, such as HOBr and HBr, and their uses in disinfection.

12:09 – 13:15 | Neutralization Techniques

Using sodium bisulfite and how bromine behaves when neutralized.

13:27 – 14:55 | Equipment Compatibility & Video Demo

Video of bromine reacting with aluminum—visually striking and informative.

15:13 – 20:07 | Real-Life Bromine Incidents

Detailed recounting of significant bromine leaks in Russia (2011) and Conyers, Georgia (2024).

20:08 – 24:26 | Site Handling Practices & Monitors

Insight into on-site bromine management, container types, and monitoring tools like the Draeger 7000.

24:26 – 30:00 | PPE and Environmental Modifications

Adjusting PPE levels and using fans and water sprays to alter the work environment safely.

30:04 – 32:24 | Leak Incident Response

Step-by-step breakdown of a bromine leak mitigation—detectors, dry-links, pig pads, and gaskets.

32:25 – 33:17 | Wrapping Up & Next Episode Tease

Contact info, shoutouts, and a preview of next episode’s topic: peroxide dangers.

 

Key Moments & Quotes

• "We're going to talk about that code red... and not Mountain Dew."
• "Bromine is still very, very hazardous—fatal if inhaled, swallowed, or absorbed through skin."
• "We changed the environment to avoid Level A PPE in the summer—fans and water sprays made all the difference."
• "Only a few drops of bromine can set off multiple area alarms."