DANGER! Ammonia Leaks!
Watch Out! Ammonia is a common cause of chemical injuries, and accidental exposure may produce serious injury to the eyes, respiratory system and skin and may cause death.
Most incidents are the result of accidental exposure, usually during a regular work day. Ammonia leaks can also, under certain circumstances, become a fire and explosion hazard.
Ammonia vapor has an affinity for water, including the body's moisture. If exposed, ammonia will tend to attach mucous membranes and naturally moist parts of the body (i.e. eyes, nose, mouth, underarms).
If you are exposed to ammonia, immediately flush the affected areas with cold water for at least 15 minutes or until the response team arrives.
It is very important to ALWAYS wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): mask, goggles, gloves, long-sleeved shirt, long pants, proper work shoes, etc.
Responding to Leaks and Spills: Even though ammonia refrigeration systems are designed to avoid the accidental release of ammonia, leaks and spills continue to occur each year. Each employee must understand his or her role and be ready to properly implement the emergency plan when needed.
Qualified Operators: Systems must be properly built to accepted Codes and Standards. Well-trained operators can help make sure the system operates efficiently and often will recognize problems before a breakdown occurs.
Planning for Emergencies: Moving product within a facility can result in impact damage to unprotected piping or system evaporators. Corrosion, erosion, upsets and vibration are other conditions that can cause an accident. You should plan evacuation routes and designate employees with responsibility to make sure everyone leaves and that emergency response personnel are contacted.
Although refrigeration systems using ammonia have produced many hours of reliable operation without incident, facility owners should fully understand the potential impact a release could have on their business and take the necessary steps to improve operations. Please call us if you would like assistance in planning for preventative maintenance, personnel training and emergency planning.
