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Agenda
Agenda
1.) Why are we here?2.) Definitions3.) Uses of Ammonia4.) Areas of potential exposure5.) Ammonia characteristics6.) Emergency Response/Action Plan
Why are we Here?
Purpose:
1.Your own personal safety• There is ammonia on our premises• We want you to be aware of it• We also want you to be prepared
2.Education• You should know what ammonia is • Emergency procedures should be well known by ALL employees
3.Preparation• Be ready for the worst case• If the worst case happens, preparation saves lives
Why are we Here?
Learning through the experience of others:
1.American Cold Storage – Louisville, KY• Employees removed a unlabeled valve on an ammonia line• 2 employee deaths
2.Mountaire Farms – Lumber Bridge, NC• High pressure ammonia line ruptured• 1 employee death• 4 employees hospitalized
3.Tanner Industries – Swansea, SC• Hose from tank to truck was ruptured releasing ammonia• 1 bystander death (resulting in criminal charges for Werner Transportation)• 5 employees hospitalized• 2 bystanders hospitalized
Why are we Here?
Learning the experience of others:
4. CF Industries – Rosemount, MN• Connection between a truck and tank failed• 2 employee deaths
5. Weng’s Cold Storage – Shanghai, China• High pressure ammonia line ruptured• 15 deaths• 26 hospitalizations
Definitions
Definitions:Anhydrous Ammonia
‘Pure’ ammonia. Ammonia that is without water added to it
Non-Responding Employee
Employees who work in a facility that uses or stores ammonia, but who has no planned interactions with equipment or containers using or storing ammonia
Responding Employee
Employees who are responsible and trained to complete work in a facility that uses or stores ammonia
Definitions
Definitions (continued):
Emergency Action Plan
A plan put in place to outline expectation of all employees during an emergency situation
Ammonia is: Found naturally in the atmosphere
80% of manufactured ammonia is used as a fertilizer
Used in a solution with water for cleaners for households and commercial use
Used in the production of several manufactured goods including dyes, plastics and other chemicals
Used as a refrigerant gas in cooling systems
www.fertilizer101.org
Uses of Ammonia
www.southernvacuumcooling.com
Ammonia in the packing areas: Used in the refrigeration process
Found in the rear of the vacuum cooling unit
Generally, the rear of the unit is isolated from the general working population
Can also be used as the refrigerant for the cooling units in the warehouses and packing areas
Uses of Ammonia
Characteristics of Ammonia
Properties: EASILY ABSORBED BY WATER
Lighter than air (0.6 specific gravity)
Gas at room temperature
Akaline properties/corrosive
Forms a liquid when compressed
Rapidly expands from liquid to gas
Pressure in a contained vessel increases as heated
Characteristics of Ammonia
Properties: EASILY ABSORBED BY WATER
This ONE item affects all other characteristics of ammonia!
Characteristics of Ammonia
AMMONIA
Characteristics of Ammonia
AMMONIA
Characteristics of Ammonia
Properties: EASILY ABSORBED BY WATER
This ONE item affects all other characteristics of ammonia!
Ammonia actively tries to find water in: The atmosphere Your eyes Your skin Your lungs; Etc.
Characteristics of Ammonia
Exposure Level Description
5 ppm Odor Threshold (OSHA)
25 ppm 8 Hour Recommended Exposure Limit (REL) (NIOSH)
25 ppm 8 Hour Threshold Limit Value (TLV) (ACGIH)
35 ppm 15 Minute Short Term Exposure Limit (STEL) (NIOSH)
35 ppm 15 Minute Threshold Limit Value - Short Term Exposure Limit (TLV-STEL)(ACGIH)
50 ppm 8 Hour Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) (OSHA)
300 ppm Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health – (IDLH) (OSHA)
300 ppm Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health – (IDLH) (NIOSH)
300 ppm Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health – (IDLH) (ACGIH)
Characteristics of Ammonia
Symptoms of exposure: Pungent, suffocating smell at low
concentrations
Eye, nose and throat irritation
Burns and frostbite from contact with liquid form
Difficulty breathing
Loss of consciousness
Emergency Action Plan
Alarms:
1. Should there be an ammonia release:
Ammonia is monitored by…
An alarm will sound…
A call will be made…
You will hear this sound…
When heard, emergency actions must be taken…
Emergency Action Plan
Evacuation:
2. When the alarm sounds:
Stop working IMMEDIATELY!
Proceed to …
Exit quickly
If someone is overcome, do not go back in for them
Wait for instructions from …
Emergency Action Plan
Gathering:
3. While evacuated:
Pay attention to wind direction
Remember that ammonia searches for moisture
Emergency crews will be coming from…
Make sure you are accounted for and dismissed properly
Emergency Action Plan
All Clear:
4. Do not return to work until:
All clear comes from…
Emergency crews give the all clear…
Asked to return by…
Emergency Action Plan
Drills:
5. Procedures for emergency drills:
Preparation is the key to avoiding catastrophe
Failure to participate will result in disciplinary action
Drill will be conducted (time frame)…
Results of the drills will be recorded and reviewed by…
Conclusion
Conclusion:
1.) The potential for exposure to ammonia is isolated
2.) Preparation is key in the case of an accidental exposure
3.) Ammonia must be taken seriously and considered dangerous
4.) Ammonia will seek out water in the atmosphere
5.) Preparation is the difference between an accident and a disaster
Questions and Discussion
