1. Ammonia Safety Presented By: John S. Hillard, CSP
Risk Control Consultant

2. Train the Trainer
Train the Trainer (TtT) 1.) This session is designed to train trainers 2.) Information for you and your employees 3.) Intended to be delivered by trainers trained through this program 4.) Available in Spanish and English

3. TtT - Agenda
Train the Trainer (TtT) 1.) Increase knowledge in characteristics and traits of ammonia 2.) Discuss use in the workplace 3.) Identify importance of this training 4.) Discuss challenges in individual workplaces

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

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

14. Characteristics of Ammonia

15. Characteristics of Ammonia

16. 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.

17. 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)

18. 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

19. Emergency Action Plan This section must be customized:
Each facility is unique
Each facility should have a custom emergency action plan
Ammonia should have a separate response than any other emergency in the plan
Employees must be trained on the plan

20. 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…

21. 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 …

22. 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

23. 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…

24. 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…

25. 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

26. Questions and Discussion

27. Thank You! John S. Hillard, CSP Risk Control Consultant