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Ammonia Safety

Ammonia Safety. Presented By: John S. Hillard, CSP Risk Control Consultant jhillard@murrayins.com 717-606-5904. Agenda. Agenda 1.) Why are we here? 2.) Definitions 3.) Uses of Ammonia 4.) Areas of potential exposure 5.) Ammonia characteristics 6.) Emergency Response/Action Plan.

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Ammonia Safety

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  1. Ammonia Safety Presented By: John S. Hillard, CSP Risk Control Consultant jhillard@murrayins.com 717-606-5904

  2. Agenda Agenda 1.) Why are we here? 2.) Definitions 3.) Uses of Ammonia 4.) Areas of potential exposure 5.) Ammonia characteristics 6.) Emergency Response/Action Plan

  3. Why are we Here? Purpose: • 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 • Education • You should know what ammonia is • Emergency procedures should be well known by ALL employees • Preparation • Be ready for the worst case • If the worst case happens, preparation saves lives

  4. Why are we Here? Learning through the experience of others: • American Cold Storage – Louisville, KY • Employees removed a unlabeled valve on an ammonia line • 2 employee deaths • Mountaire Farms – Lumber Bridge, NC • High pressure ammonia line ruptured • 1 employee death • 4 employees hospitalized • 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

  5. Why are we Here? Learning the experience of others: • CF Industries – Rosemount, MN • Connection between a truck and tank failed • 2 employee deaths • Weng’s Cold Storage – Shanghai, China • High pressure ammonia line ruptured • 15 deaths • 26 hospitalizations

  6. 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

  7. Definitions Definitions (continued): Emergency Action Plan A plan put in place to outline expectation of all employees during an emergency situation

  8. Uses of Ammonia 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.southernvacuumcooling.com www.fertilizer101.org

  9. Uses of Ammonia 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

  10. 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

  11. Characteristics of Ammonia Properties: • EASILY ABSORBED BY WATER This ONE item affects all other characteristics of ammonia!

  12. Characteristics of Ammonia AMMONIA

  13. Characteristics of Ammonia AMMONIA

  14. 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.

  15. Characteristics of Ammonia

  16. 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

  17. Emergency Action Plan Alarms: • 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…

  18. Emergency Action Plan Evacuation: • 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 …

  19. Emergency Action Plan Gathering: • 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

  20. Emergency Action Plan All Clear: • Do not return to work until: • All clear comes from… • Emergency crews give the all clear… • Asked to return by…

  21. Emergency Action Plan Drills: • 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…

  22. 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

  23. Questions and Discussion

  24. Thank You! John S. Hillard, CSP Risk Control Consultant jhillard@murrayins.com 717-606-5904

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