1 Ammonia Refrigeration Safety

2 Never Underestimate the Risks Ammonia leaks impact:  Your health  Your co-workers  Nearby residents Workers die every year from ammonia splash burns, gas suffocation

3 What is Ammonia? Ammonia is a colorless, pungent-smelling chemical Gas in its normal state Anhydrous ammonia – compressed into liquid Common in food, beverage plants, cold-storage facilities

4 Compliance Landmines OSHA and the EPA are on the prowl OSHA’s safe exposure limit is now lower (from 50 ppm to 35 ppm) OSHA investigates all fatalities, injuries

5 Common Hazards Top OSHA citations with ammonia: –Lockout/tagout –Fire safety –Hazcom –PPE/respirators –Process safety Not locking out ammonia pipes can trigger death

6 Environmental Dangers Clean Air Act says repairs are mandatory EPA’s trigger rates: –Commercial refrigeration – 35% –Industrial refrigeration – 35% –All other appliances – 15% Leaks must be fixed in 30 days or EPA will fine us – big

7 Community Needs Warning Ammonia leaks over 500 pounds must be reported 30-minute deadline for calling local, state & national emergency response centers First call for big leak – the fire department Must file chemical inventory forms also

8 Preventive Maintenance (pt. 1) Maintenance for preventing leaks includes: Qualified, trained personnel only Listening for problems Purging air from the system

9 Preventive Maintenance (pt. 2) Tanks, lines, valves & cylinders all labeled Install branch valves for outside lines Cap or plug drain valves, stub valves, etc. Keep maintenance logs Replace corroded piping

10 Preventive Maintenance (pt. 3) Review safety basics Check at shut-off valves Measure valves and stems for deterioration Ensure PPE is available

11 Poor Maintenance = Leaks Poor maintenance leads to leaks: Static leaks Pressure leaks Vibration leaks Cumulative leaks Combination leaks

12 Leak Detection More than one way to detect leaks Four options: –Bubble detection –Electronic detectors –Ultrasonic detectors –Halide torches

13 Fluorescent Detection: No. 1 choice Easy, fast effective Use fluorescent dye and UV lamp Ammonia leaks show up in bright yellow/green New portable lamps make it even easier

14 Responding to Leaks Monitor air quality Move people from area or outside Call the fire department Follow emergency response plan Get needed medical attention

15 Summary Ammonia overexposure can kill you Non-compliance with OSHA and the EPA can trigger deaths, injuries and major fines Preventive maintenance stops leaks Use your senses – look, listen and smell Leave area where ammonia is leaking