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

Why are we Here? Purpose: Your own personal safety Education 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

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

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

Definitions Definitions: Anhydrous Ammonia Non-Responding Employee ‘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

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

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

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

Characteristics of 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) 8 Hour Threshold Limit Value (TLV) (ACGIH) 35 ppm 15 Minute Short Term Exposure Limit (STEL) (NIOSH) 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) Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health – (IDLH) (NIOSH) 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: 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: 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: 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: Do not return to work until: All clear comes from… Emergency crews give the all clear… Asked to return by…

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…

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

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