If chlorine gas begins leaking in a room, what should an employee without a breathing apparatus do first?

When chlorine gas begins leaking, it poses a significant risk due to its toxic nature and potential to cause respiratory distress. In an emergency like this, the priority is to minimize inhalation of the gas. Keeping the mouth closed and elevating the head can help reduce exposure to the gas because chlorine is heavier than air and tends to settle closer to the ground. By exiting quickly while maintaining this position, the individual can better navigate out of the contaminated area while limiting inhalation of the harmful gas.

While calling for help and alerting others is important, it should ideally be done after ensuring one's own safety first. Using the nearest exit might seem straightforward, but without taking precautions for inhaling the gas, it can lead to greater risk of exposure. Covering the nose and mouth with clothing is a better option than not covering them at all; however, it is not as effective in minimizing inhalation as keeping the mouth closed and heading for exit. Thus, the focus in this situation is to reduce exposure to chlorine while making a swift exit from the hazardous environment.