Process Safety Management Ammonia Awareness

Training Matrix Subject Description of Subject Matter /Key Items Covered Who is Required to attend Frequency Presented by Safety Website Section Process Safety Management Ammonia Awareness Anhydrous Ammonia Awareness All employees - Including office personnel Initial employment Employees presently involved in operating a process Refresher Training every three years Facility Manager Designated Person Ammonia Refrigeration

Process Safety Management Program This program attempts to anticipate future problems by identifying, evaluating, and preventing failures of the process that could result in a release of this chemical as well as to inform all employees about the health effects of an ammonia exposure. This Process Safety Management program provides information and procedures to prevent or minimize an accidental release of ammonia.

Ammonia (NH3) Anhydrous Ammonia “Anhydrous ammonia” means ammonia with no water content. This substance is used universally as an industrial refrigerant, as well as an ingredient in fertilizer At normal temperatures and pressures, ammonia is a colorless gas, lighter than air and has a sharp, pungent odor that serves as a warning of its presence. The U.S. Department of Transportation has classified anhydrous ammonia as a non-flammable gas.

Ammonia’s Self-Alarming Characteristic Ammonia (NH3) Ammonia’s Self-Alarming Characteristic Ammonia can be a serious life-threatening hazard at high concentration levels. However, it has a very pungent, irritating, and recognizable odor at very low concentration levels of from five to fifty parts per million At moderate concentration levels of from fifty up to two hundred parts per million, it is so intolerable that people will seek relief from its effects before it becomes a true health hazard.

Health Effects of Exposure to Ammonia Ammonia (NH3) Health Effects of Exposure to Ammonia Anhydrous ammonia in liquid or gaseous form has a very strong attraction to water and moisture which targets bodily fluids (such as those in the eyes, nose, mouth, respiratory tract, and perspiration) and forms strong concentrations of aqueous ammonia that irritate body tissues and may cause injury.

Effect of Ammonia Vapor in Various Concentrations NH3 Vapor Concentration (PPM) Effect on Unprotected Workers Exposure Period 20 Noticeable odor to some people Unlimited 25   Recommended 8 hour exposure limit (ACGIH) 50 Detectable odor Permissible Exposure Limit for 8 hours (NIOSH,OSHA) 100 Moderately strong odor, moderately irritating to the eyes and nose 300 Causes major irritation of all moist body parts Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (OSHA) 1,720 Causes convulsive coughing No exposure permissible (may be fatal after short exposure) 5,000 Causes respiratory spasm, strangulation, asphyxia No exposure permissible (rapidly fatal) 15,000 Causes burns and blisters to unprotected skin

Exposure to Liquid Anhydrous Ammonia Anhydrous ammonia will destroy bodily tissue resulting in blister and chemical burns. Eye damage is the most likely serious hazard when liquid ammonia contacts the eye. Therefore, eye protection and eye wash equipment are required.

Exposure to Ammonia Vapors For eye exposure, move the person out of the contaminated area and begin flushing the eyes with large amounts of water. Eyes Ammonia has a distinct odor that is very irritating. If the concentration is high, most people will move quickly seek fresh air. However, if a person’s escape is delayed or the person is unconscious, the ammonia has a suffocating ability. Inhalation If the person is conscious, large quantities of water should be swallowed. Ingestion (Swallowing of Ammonia) Liquid ammonia causes the water in the skin to freeze, expanding the cells to the point of rupture, producing burns Skin

This concludes the PSM Anhydrous Ammonia Awareness Training. That Ammonia is used, in or near your work place, in the refrigeration system, There are serious hazards associated with ammonia exposure, and There is a formal written program for ammonia safety at this facility. We ask you to follow and apply all the information provided to you when working and make sure you are aware of the following:

QUESTIONS?