Ammonia is a toxic gas that used in various industries. It can be extremely dangerous if not handled properly at the time of leak or spill. It can pose a serious risk to human health and the environment also if it leak or spill. Ammonia is a colorless, strong, pungent odor gas and it is difficult to detect leak without specialized equipment. Ammonia can generate white cloud, irritation in throat, eye or nose, coughing, vomiting and difficult to breathing if leaks.
Exposure to 300ppm is immediately dangerous to health and life. If the possibility of exposure more than 300ppm, use NIOSH approved self breathing apparatus(SCBA). Ammonia is flammable at concentrations of 15 to 28% by volume in air.
An Emergency Action Plan(EAP) is a written document required by OSHA standard. Emergency procedure is providing to workers with detailed directions in case of an emergency. The written emergency procedures must consist of specific details pertaining to the following:
Location of the system fire valve and fire hydrant system
Emergency personal protective equipment and its location
Evacuation procedure and a check system to ensure that all personnel are evacuated
Notifying fire department and other emergency response units
Emergency lighting
Notifying workers of the emergency location
Controlling materials that may become dangerous during the emergency
Search and rescue
Location of the system fire valve and fire hydrant system
Emergency personal protective equipment and its location
Evacuation procedure and a check system to ensure that all personnel are evacuated
Notifying fire department and other emergency response units
Emergency lighting
Notifying workers of the emergency location
Controlling materials that may become dangerous during the emergency
Search and rescue
Notifying adjacent plant of the emergency