Ammonia Emergency Response

Anhydrous Ammonia Emergency
Management plan
Copyright of the Ammonia Technicians Association Incorporated 2013 ©

Contents
Introduction & Purpose ................................................................................................................. 4

Protection Unit PPU ......................................................................................................................... 4
Duties ............................................................................................................................................... 4
Emergency Services ....................................................................................................................... 5
Use of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus: ................................................................... 5
Pressure Management ............................................................................................................... 5
AMMONIA EMERGENCY RESPONSE PROCEDURE................................................................ 6
Emergencies ...................................................................................................................................... 8
Types of Release: ........................................................................................................................ 8
Minor Leaks: .................................................................................................................................. 8
Major Leaks: .................................................................................................................................. 8
First Aid ............................................................................................................................................... 9
Eye Contact: .................................................................................................................................. 9
First Aid for Eye Contact: ..................................................................................................... 9
Skin Contact: ................................................................................................................................ 9
First Aid for Skin Contact:.................................................................................................... 9
Inhalation: ...................................................................................................................................... 9
First Aid for Inhalation: ......................................................................................................... 9
Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) ................................................................................. 10
Airway ............................................................................................................................................ 10
Breathing ...................................................................................................................................... 10
Compression ................................................................................................................................ 10
Explosive levels .............................................................................................................................. 11
Concentration Markers ................................................................................................................ 12
Ammonia Protective Response Equipment check list ...................................................... 13
Risk Evaluation ............................................................................................................................... 14
Protection from Hazardous incidents ..................................................................................... 15
Protective Action: ...................................................................................................................... 15
Protect In Place: ........................................................................................................................ 16
Evacuate: ...................................................................................................................................... 17
Evacuation Is The Preferred Option If: ............................................................................. 17
Record of PPE inspections .......................................................................................................... 18
Incident Record .............................................................................................................................. 19
Emergency response plan testing record............................................................................. 20
Q & A Health Affects ..................................................................................................................... 21
What is the main health hazards associated with breathing in Ammonia gas? 21
What happens when Ammonia gas comes into contact with my skin? ............... 21
Can Ammonia gas hurt my eyes?..................................................................................................... 21
What are the long term health effects of exposure to Ammonia gas? ............................................. 21
INHALATION; ............................................................................................................................ 21
SKIN SENSITIZATION: ............................................................................................................ 22
RESPIRATORY SENSITIZATION:........................................................................................... 22
What happens if Ammonia gas is accidentally swallowed (enters the digestive
system)? ....................................................................................................................................... 22
Will Ammonia gas cause cancer? ........................................................................................ 22
Will Ammonia gas cause any problems with my reproductive system? .............. 22
Will Ammonia gas cause effects on the fetus/unborn baby? ................................... 22
Will Ammonia gas act in a synergistic manner with other materials (will its
effects be more than the sum of the effects from the exposure to each
chemical alone)? ........................................................................................................................ 22
Is there potential for Ammonia gas to build-up or accumulate in my body? .... 22
Normal Daily Ammonia Production and Absorbtion ......................................................... 23
Safety Data Sheets ....................................................................................................................... 24
Anhydrous Ammonia ................................................................................................................ 24
Aqueous Ammonia .................................................................................................................... 25
Lubrication oil.............................................................................................................................. 26
P&ID.................................................................................................................................................... 27
Site Drawings .................................................................................................................................. 28
Appendices ....................................................................................................................................... 29
Acronyms and Abbreviations ................................................................................................ 29
Properties of Anhydrous Ammonia ..................................................................................... 29
References........................................................................................................................................ 30
Disclaimer ......................................................................................................................................... 30
Notes .................................................................................................................................................. 31
SITE PHOTOS .................................................................................................................................. 32

Introduction & Purpose
The purpose of this document is to protect all staff, contractors, surrounding properties and the public
together with sewers and waterways from contamination and over exposure of Anhydrous Ammonia.
This plan is intended to be an active document and should be read and reviewed on a regular basis,
Suggestions and modifications should be addressed to info@atanz.org
Protection Unit PPU
The plant protection unit should include members of management, administration, Health and safety
committee, Fire wardens and where applicable; the Emergency response team
Duties
 Carry out daily wind direction check and notify staff of evacuation assembly point.
 Organise “bump testing” of the Ammonia monitoring equipment and circuitry
 Review, document contingency plans and procedures after every variable from the initial plan,
evacuation or incident.
 Maintain all response and safety equipment
 Carry out notifications of Hazardous works
 Connect with local Fire department Station officer
 Frequently record Refrigeration system equipment and record relevant data on a daily basis in site
log book as per ASNZS 1677
 Keep impeccable records of all of the above
 Carry out simulated evacuations to test procedures
 Evacuate staff and contractors in the event of an emergency
 Rescue staff or contractors (NB: Highly trained Emergency response teams only)
 Assist Emergency responders in the repairs and isolation
Note:
If in doubt about your personal safety entering a facility, contact emergency services on 111.
All PPU members must hold all the relevant certification and competency to complete their
roles effectively and safely
Name Role Contact

Emergency Services
FIRE 111
Northern Fire Communications Centre 486 79 48
Orica CHEMNET help line 0800 734 607
Work Safe New Zealand 0800 209 020
Use of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus:
Rescuers need to be trained on scene safety and attired in proper personal protective clothing which
should include self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) to prevent themselves from becoming
casualties. Ample quantities of fresh water must be available. If the ammonia release has not been
controlled, remove patient from the “hot zone” and rapidly decontaminate with water according to the
following guidelines:
Pressure Management
Only competent persons should proceed to rectify a leak on your system and only proceed if safe to do so.
Shutting down the system may have a negative effect on the situation.
Seek counsel from a Certified Ammonia Technician before making any changes to your system.
Ensure personal are removed from all unsafe areas and neighbouring properties have been advised where
required.
All Leaks must be isolated upstream from the location of the leak.

AMMONIA EMERGENCY RESPONSE PROCEDURE
1. On receipt of any ammonia call out, question the severity of the situation. If the
leak quantity is deemed to be dangerous advise the customer to contact the fire
service for assistance.
2. The on call service technician will contact there supervisor notifying of the
release and that assistance from a second man is required.
3. If there is no answer a message with the above must be left on the voicemail
system, and the next level of management telephoned.
4. If the service technician has had no response from management within 10

minutes, then they should arrange a back-up person to attend site with them for
this first response.
5. No service technician will attend a call out without a second member of our
Team and will follow standard Ammonia policies and procedures at all times
6. On arrival to site, Meet with Site liaisons or management to establish location of

release and course of control
7. Complete initial risk analysis or SWMS report
8. Set up an exclusion zone with Caution tape and or signage
9. One member of the two man team will have on his person a personal Ammonia
detection unit at all times.
10.Personal detectors Set points will be programed for STEL and IDLH levels
11.Wear full face respirator, gloves, and full length overalls.
12.Prepare first aid equipment
13.Bump test emergency showers, eye washes and Ammonia detectors and
document
14.If remote data acquisition trending is not available, concentration of the

machinery space should be sampled at the entrance prior.
15.Before entering any contaminated space, view concentration trends from a

remote location where available to ensure that concentrations are stable and not
elevating
16.Levels above the STEL will be managed by all parties and judgement calls will be
made as per the severity of the situation

17.Once the release has been sourced, review course of action.
18.Where liquid splash potential exists, type 3 suits must be worn
19.Concentrations above 300 ppm (IDLH) are deemed confined spaces and must be
managed by persons with the appropriate certification and competency
20.Isolate minimise or eliminate where safe to do so
21.Unless the release is on the high side of the system or at LEL, the plant should
remain in operation for pressure control
22.Where the leak is deemed critical (Unmanageable Aerosol or >300 ppm)

outside the immediate area, site management and the NZFS communications
centre must be contacted advising of our attendance to site, they will then
decide whether to contact the necessary authorities to manage the spill
23.If all attempts of pressure management and positive ventilation prove to be

ineffective of reducing the concentration. The customer must be notified that
further assistance from the fire service is required and that they must contact
them.
24.Where requested by the NZFS to enter a Level 4/ type 1 A HAZMAT protective

suit and SCBA no employee will proceed unless prior trained and competent
25.On completion of works all equipment involved in the repair must be de-
contaminated and cleaned as per manufactures recommendations
26. An incident report must be completed and all equipment utilised in the repair
must be documented as per the Respiratory protection plan Health and Safety
act 1995
27.All ammonia filters must be replaced and all other equipment and consumables
in the emergency response kit be restocked where required.

Emergencies
Types of Release:
There are four types of release that can occur on your refrigeration system.
 High Pressure Vapour

 High Pressure Liquid
 Low Pressure Vapour
 Low Pressure Liquid
All of the release categories can occur in both your engine rooms as well as your refrigerated spaces.
Specific emergencies that are likely to occur are difficult to define steps for evacuation as there are so
many variables.
Emergencies that can occur can be easily defined as:
Minor Leaks:
Do not affect areas outside its immediate location
Typical releases of this nature involve:
 Compressor shaft seal leakages (Low Pressure Vapour)

 Valve gland leaks (High pressure liquid vapour, Low pressure liquid vapour)
Major Leaks:
 Affect areas outside the immediate location
Typical releases of this nature involve:
 Flange separation (High pressure liquid, Low pressure liquid)

 Pipe corrosion (High pressure liquid, Low pressure liquid)
 Component failure (High pressure liquid, Low pressure liquid)

First Aid
Eye Contact:
The extent of eye injury is dependent upon the duration of the exposure and concentration of the gas or
liquid. Even low air ammonia concentrations can be very irritating to the eyes. Permanent eye damage is
not unlikely. Contact lenses should never be worn when working with ammonia.
First Aid for Eye Contact:
Immediately flush eyes for at least 15 minutes keeping the eyelids open. Remove contact lenses if it can
be done safely.
Skin Contact:
Ammonia gas may cause skin irritation especially where skin is moist (perspiration). Patients exposed to
only ammonia gas and have no skin or eye irritation does not need decontamination. Ammonia liquid will
cause extensive skin damage resulting from dehydration, freezing and the corrosive action of ammonium
hydroxide.
First Aid for Skin Contact:
Flush exposed areas thoroughly with water. If clothing is frozen to skin, thaw out area first with water
before removing clothing. Clothing then is contaminated with ammonium hydroxide and can cause
secondary exposure to responders. Applying water on a patient may cause hypothermia so use blankets
and quickly shelter them in a warm and dry environment. Vinegar may also use to neutralise the ammonia
at a 4:1 mix with Water
Inhalation:
Even at low concentrations, ammonia vapour is very irritating to the nose, mouth, throat and lungs. The
airway may swell and constrict making respirations difficult for those exposed. Because of a child's narrow
airway they are especially susceptible to breathing difficulties if exposed.
First Aid for Inhalation:
Move the person to fresh air. If breathing has stopped, perform CPR and administer oxygen if available.
In all instances contact 111 for medical assistance

Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
Always Ensure emergency services are on the way, and you are not putting yourself in any danger
Airway
Check for any obstructions in the mouth and throat. Cover the nose and mouth, look listen and feel for
breath.
Breathing
If not breathing, tilt the head back to open airway and give 2 full breaths.
Compression
Begin 30 chest compressions at the rate of 100/minute. The chest will need compressing to approximately
1/3rd , repeat procedure. Until a defibrillator is available

Explosive levels

Concentration Markers
Concentration (PPM) Effects Performance

25 Ammonia easily detected NZ 8 hour exposure
by most people standard (TWA)
*WORKSAFE NZ
35 Inexperienced persons are NZ 15 min exposure
repulsed by the pungent standard (STEL) )
odour *WORKSAFE NZ
50 Very distinct smell will Leave asap or wear K type
want to vacate area respirator
100 No danger but unpleasant Leave asap or wear K type
respirator
250 Irritation to eyes sinuses BOC MSDS level to wear
and respiratory system SCBA
>=300 Irritation to eyes sinuses Immediate danger to life
and respiratory system and health (IDLH) Wear
SCBA with CBRN suit L3,
Following risk analysis
>=1500 Serious irritation to eyes Serious injury may
skin, sinuses, develop in 30 min Wear
Laryngospasm SCBA with CBRN suit L1,
Following risk analysis
>=2000 Serious Irritation to eyes 15 min or less may result
sinuses and respiratory in death, Wear SCBA with
system, Bronchospasm CBRN L1 Following risk
Pulmonary edema analysis
>=5000 Respiratory arrest, Lethal in minutes, Manage
Pulmonary edema pressure where safe to do
so and wait for decline in
concentration
>=10000 Respiratory arrest Rapidly fatal, Manage
pressure where safe to do
so and wait for decline in
concentration

Ammonia Protective Response Equipment check list
2x Personal Ammonia detection 2x CBRN Suits

2x Full face Respirators
2x S.C.B.A
2x CBRN Suits
2x Sets of Neoprene, Nitrile Gloves
2x Pair PVC gumboots
First Aid Kit
Paraffin wax/ gel
Saline solution
Vinegar 4:1 mix
Emergency Shower and eye wash
Chemical Spill kit
Spill socks/ booms
Drain covers
Tarpaulin
Fog nozzle
4x C02 Fire extinguisher
Torch
Video camera
Still camera
Spare Batteries
4x UHF radios
Pipe repair bandage
2x Rolls Duct tape
Emergency Response manual
P&ID drawings of each plant
Site Drawings
Emergency records
Blankets
□

Risk Evaluation
Complete initial risk analysis using the risk assessment matrix (refer fig A)
As part of your risk assessment, consider each of the following:
 Is there a fire? Is it safe to use an extinguisher?

 Is there a spill or a leak? How large is it?
 Is containment necessary?
 What are the weather conditions – wind direction, rain?
 What is the terrain like?
 What is at risk – people, property or the environment?
 How significant is the risk based on the situation, the hazards of the products (from classes
and subsidiary risks) and their degree of danger (based on packing groups)?
 Is public protection necessary? Protect in place or evacuate?
 What resources (human and equipment) are required and readily available?
 What can be done right away?
 What activities can be immediately and safely delegated to available persons?
 Is traffic control required?
Fig. A

Protection from Hazardous incidents
Decisions on protecting the public at dangerous goods incidents should initially be made by the first
emergency services officer on the scene.
The two steps are - Isolation and Protective Action Isolation:
 Firstly, determine which area is immediately

INITIAL ISOLATION ZONE
affected or at risk. Then isolate it, removing all
persons, from within the initial isolation zone.
 In most incidents, once the situation has been
assessed and appropriate advice taken, there is no
Initial
need for further action to protect the public other
Isolation
than establishing this zone
Distance
Protective Action:
Further action may sometimes be necessary to protect the public from risks associated with more
severe incidents. These risks may include fire, explosion, smoke, fumes or toxic gases.
Each guide gives distances for different events under the heading evacuation. These distances
must be regarded only as guidelines for initial action as the overall situation must be considered
when deciding the extent of protective actions. The distance is used to establish the protective
action zone, which will look like the diagram below.
The square defines the area where the action must be taken
to protect the public. It is then necessary to determine the
most effective strategy to achieve this.
Evacuation is not the only available option

and, for the majority of dangerous
goods incidents,
it may not be the preferred option.

Protect In Place:
In the ‘protect in place’ strategy, the public in the protective zone is immediately directed inside a
building and advised to remain indoors until the danger passes. Always consider this option
because it is simple and easy to implement. It also requires fewer staff than evacuation.
Houses and other enclosed buildings can provide a source of uncontaminated air, which may give
protection for some considerable time. Some contaminated air will penetrate, but the level of
contamination will be significantly less than outside. As poisoning is a factor of both concentration
and the exposure time, there is normally less risk staying indoors.
‘Protect in place’ is the preferred option for many fires or spillages since the danger to the public is
often reached its maximum before the emergency services have arrived. In such cases,
attempting an evacuation will unnecessarily increase the public’s exposure to smoke or fumes.
Protect in Place if: Do NOT protect in place if:
 There is not enough time to evacuate the  The fumes or vapours present a risk of
public before the hazard affects the area. explosion.
 The incident and hazard are likely to be of  It will take a long time for the fumes to
short duration (up to an hour or so). clear the area.
 The building cannot be tightly closed.
Give the following instructions to residents and occupants if you decide to ‘protect in
place’.
(a) Close all windows and doors, using blinds and curtains if fitted;
(b) Shut off all ventilating, heating and cooling systems;
(c) Stay on the side of the building furthermost from the incident;
(d) Tape or seal gaps in or around windows, doors and ventilation ducts if the fumes become
uncomfortable.
Protect In Place Cont.
 If there is a continued release of smoke or fumes over a long period, it may necessary to
organise a systemic evacuation through the contaminated atmosphere. The initial ‘protect
in place decision will, however, allow time to muster the resources needed for a full
systemic evacuation.
 After the smoke or fumes have dispersed from the area, the buildings will retain
contaminated air. As soon as the area is made safe, advise the public to move outside and
ventilate their buildings.

Evacuate:
 In an evacuation, the public is moved from a threatened area to a safer place. It is not
sufficient to simply move people out of the protective zone and allow them to congregate
at its perimeter. Move them by a specific route to a definite location where they will not
need to be moved again if the wind shifts or the circumstances change.
 To perform an evacuation, there must be enough time for the public to be warned to
prepare to leave the area. Generally, if there is enough time, evacuation is likely to be the
best protective option. However, evacuation requires time and people. It may place those
being evacuated at risk and cause them suffering, stress and dislocation.
Evacuation Is The Preferred Option If:
(a) There is an immediate threat of fire, explosion or building collapse;

(b) There is time to evacuate before a threatening toxic
(c) It will take a long time for the fumes to clear from the area; or
(d) The buildings will not provide sufficient protection to ‘protect in place’.
Evacuation should start with the people nearest the incident and those outdoors in direct view of
the scene. As additional resources become available, expand the area to be evacuated downwind
and crosswind. All movements should be across the prevailing wind by the most direct route.
The following factors will influence the time necessary for a successful evacuation:
 Time of day
 Weather conditions
 Road network
 Transport availability
 Number of people to be moved
 Level of disruption caused to the community
 Health and mobility of evacuees
 Ability to shut down any industrial processes
 Method by which the public are advised to evacuate.

Record of PPE inspections
Date Time Equipment tested Pass sign

Incident Record
Date Time Peak ppm Respondents Injuries Agencies notified

Emergency response plan testing record
Date Time Amendments to plan

Q & A Health Affects
What is the main health hazards associated with breathing in Ammonia gas?
Ammonia gas is a severe respiratory tract irritant. It is noticeable by smell at 0.6 to 53 ppm. Volunteers
have first noticed nose and throat irritation at concentrations as low as 24 ppm after 2-6 hours exposure.
A 10-minute exposure to 30 ppm was considered faintly irritating by 2/6 volunteers, while 50 ppm was
considered moderately irritating by 4/6. Irritation of the nose and throat was noticeable in 5/10 and 10/10
volunteers after a 5-minute exposure to 72 or 134 ppm. At 500 ppm, immediate and severe irritation of
nasal passage and throat occurs. Brief exposure to concentrations above 1500 ppm can cause pulmonary
Edema, a potentially fatal accumulation of fluid in the lungs. The symptoms of pulmonary Edema
(tightness in the chest and difficulty breathing) may not develop for 1-24 hours after an exposure.
Numerous cases of fatal ammonia exposure have been reported, but actual exposure levels have not been
well documented. If the victim survives, complete recovery may occur depending on the extent of injury to
the respiratory tract and lungs. However, long-term respiratory system and lung disorders have been
observed following severe short-term exposures to ammonia. People repeatedly exposed to ammonia may
develop a tolerance (or acclimatization) to the irritating effects after a few weeks. Tolerance means that
higher levels of exposure are required to produce effects earlier seen at lower concentrations.
What happens when Ammonia gas comes into contact with my skin?
High levels of airborne ammonia gas dissolve in moisture on the skin, forming corrosive ammonium
hydroxide. At 10000 ppm, ammonia is mildly irritating to moist skin. At 20000 ppm, the effects are more
pronounced and 30000 ppm may produce chemical burns with blistering. These same exposure levels
would be almost certainly fatal due to inhalation health effects. Direct contact with liquefied gas can cause
frostbite and corrosive burns. Symptoms of mild frostbite include numbness, prickling and itching in the
affected area. Symptoms of more severe frostbite include a burning sensation and stiffness of the affected
area. The skin may become waxy white or yellow. Blistering, tissue death and gangrene may also develop
in severe cases. Corrosive burns of the skin have resulted from direct contact with a jet of liquefied
ammonia. Permanent scarring of the skin may result.
Can Ammonia gas hurt my eyes?
Exposure to 50 ppm or less for 5 minutes was not considered irritating by volunteers, while exposure to 72
ppm was irritating to a few individuals and 134 ppm was irritating and caused tearing. At 700 ppm, the
gas is immediately and severely irritating.
Direct contact with the liquefied gas can cause frostbite and corrosive injury to eye. Permanent eye
damage or blindness could result. Severe, permanent eye injury, including an almost complete loss of
vision, has been reported following direct contact with liquefied ammonia gas.
What are the long term health effects of exposure to Ammonia gas?
INHALATION;
Despite design limitations, the small number of human population studies available have not shown
significant effects in people with long-term occupational exposure to ammonia. No significant differences in
lung function were observed in 58 workers exposed to 9.2 ppm ammonia for an average of 12.2 years
compared to controls with very low exposure (less than 1 ppm). No conclusions can be drawn from one
case report which described lung injury following long-term exposure to ammonia because the person was
a long-term smoker. People with repeated exposure to ammonia may develop a tolerance (or
acclimatization) to the irritating effects after a few weeks.

SKIN SENSITIZATION:
Insufficient details are available to evaluate two single case reports of hives which developed in people
occupationally exposed to ammonia. Previous history of allergies is not discussed and allergic sensitivity
was not confirmed by patch testing in either case.
RESPIRATORY SENSITIZATION:
One case report describes a chemical worker who developed an increased respiratory sensitivity to
ammonia, inert iron yellow dust and cold air following a cold. It is unlikely that this case represents true
respiratory sensitivity.
What happens if Ammonia gas is accidentally swallowed (enters the digestive system)?
Ingestion is not an applicable route of exposure for gases.
Will Ammonia gas cause cancer?
There is no credible evidence that ammonia can cause cancer. Very limited human information is available.
A poorly conducted and reported study found an increased rate of lung, stomach, urinary tract and
lymphatic cancer among workers in two ammonia plants. A single case report of nasal cancer was
observed in a person exposed to an ammonia/oil mixture. No conclusions can be drawn from one poorly
conducted animal study.
Will Ammonia gas cause any problems with my reproductive system?
There is no human or animal information available.
Will Ammonia gas cause effects on the fetus/unborn baby?
There is no human or animal information available.
Will Ammonia gas act in a synergistic manner with other materials (will its effects be more than
the sum of the effects from the exposure to each chemical alone)?
There is no information available.
Is there potential for Ammonia gas to build-up or accumulate in my body?
Ammonia does not accumulate in the body. It is a normal body component and is normally present in all
tissues constituting a metabolic pool. It is a by- product of protein and nucleic acid metabolism, and is a
minor component of the diet. The ammonia-nitrogen is incorporated into amino acids, proteins and nucleic
acids in the body. Ammonia may be excreted in the urine, principally as urea and ammonium salts, with
some free ammonia, and there is also some elimination through sweat glands. Respiratory and faecal
excretion is not significant

Normal Daily Ammonia Production and Absorbtion
(Calculate parts per million to mg/m3 by dividing ppm by 1.34)

I.e. 37ppm/1.34= 27.61 mg/m3

Safety Data Sheets
Anhydrous Ammonia

Aqueous Ammonia

Lubrication oil

P&ID

Site Drawings

Appendices
Acronyms and Abbreviations
 PPM (Parts per million)

 mgm3 (Milligrams per Metres cubed)
 NH3 (Anhydrous ammonia) or (R717)
 TWA (Time awaited average) 8 hours exposure: 25 ppm
 STEL (Short term exposure limit) 15 min exposure: 35 ppm
 IDLH (Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health): 300 ppm
 1/5th LEL (Lower Exposure Limit): 26,000 ppm
 LEL (Lower Exposure Limit): 160,000 ppm
 UEL (UPPER Exposure Limit): 270,000 ppm
 AEGL-PAC 1(Acute Exposure Guideline Levels) 60 min: 30 ppm
 PAC (Protective action criteria)
Properties of Anhydrous Ammonia
 Ammonia Molecular weight : 17.03 g/mol

 Ammonia Melting point : -78oC
 Ammonia Latent heat of fusion (1,013 bar, at triple point) : 331.37 kJ/kg
 Ammonia Liquid Density (1.013 bar at boiling point) : 682 kg/m3 (250 K : 669 kg/m3) (300 K :
600 kg/m3) (400 K : 346 kg/m3)
 Ammonia Liquid Specific Heat Capacity (cp) (250 K : 4.52 kJ/kg.K) (300 K : 4.75 kJ/kg.K) (400 K :
6.91 kJ/kg.K)
 Ammonia Liquid/gas equivalent (1.013 bar and 15oC (59oF)) : 947 vol/vol
 Ammonia Liquid Dynamic (Absolute) Viscosity (223K (-50oC): 3.061 104 Ns/m2) (273K (0oC):
2.388 104Ns/m2) (323K (50oC): 1.862 104 Ns/m2)
 Ammonia Liquid Thermal Conductivity (250 K : 592 106 kW/m.K) (300 K : 477 106 kW/m.K) (400
K : 207 106kW/m.K)
 Ammonia Boiling point (1.013 bar) : -33.5oC
 Ammonia Latent heat of vaporization (1.013 bar at boiling point) : 1371.2 kJ/kg
 Ammonia Vapor pressure (at 21oC or 70oF) : 8.88 bar
 Ammonia Critical point - Critical temperature : 132.4oC - Critical pressure : 112.8 bar
 Ammonia Gas Density (1.013 bar at boiling point) : 0.86 kg/m3
 Ammonia Gas Density (1.013 bar and 15oC (59oF)) : 0.73 kg/m3
 Ammonia Gas Compressibility Factor (Z) (the ratio of the actual volume of the gas to the volume
determined according to the perfect gas law) (1.013 bar and 15oC (59oF)) : 0.9929
 Ammonia Gas Specific Gravity (air = 1) (1.013 bar and 21oC (70oF)) : 0.597
 Ammonia Gas Specific volume (1.013 bar and 21oC (70oF)) : 1.411 m3/kg
 Ammonia Gas Specific Heat Capacity at constant pressure (cp) (1.013 bar and 15oC (59oF)) : 0.037
kJ/(mol.K)
 Ammonia Gas Specific Heat Capacity at constant volume (cv) (1.013 bar and 15oC (59oF)) : 0.028
kJ/(mol.K)
 Ammonia Gas Ratio of Specific Heats (Gamma: cp/cv) (1.013 bar and 15oC (59oF)) : 1.309623
 Ammonia Gas Dynamic Viscosity (1.013 bar and 0oC (32oF)) : 0.000098 Poise
 Ammonia Gas Thermal conductivity (1.013 bar and 0oC (32oF)) : 22.19 mW/(m.K)
 Ammonia Gas Solubility in water (1.013 bar and 0oC (32oF)) : 862 vol/vol

References
 The Hazardous substances emergency management regulations (SR2001) Amended July 1st 2011
 The Hazardous substances & new organisms act 1996
 Department of labour NZ exposure standards 2002
 Health and Safety in Employment Act 1995
 ASNZS 1677.2.1998
 Emergency response manual (Office of Environmental Health and Safety Bowdoin College Revised
09.09.04)
 Accident prevention and emergency response planning manual for Anhydrous ammonia
refrigeration system operators (U.S Environmental protection agency region 7 March 2006 third
edition EPA-907-B-06-00)
 The Fertilizer institute , Health effects of Ammonia
 Inquiry into the Explosion and Fire at Icepack Cool stores, Tamahere, on 5 April 2008: Incident
Number F128045 (Paula Beaver New Zealand Fire Service Commission Wellington, New Zealand
September 2008)
 Ammonia technicians Association of New Zealand Incorporated
 OSHA USA
Disclaimer
The Ammonia Technicians Association New Zealand Incorporated believe the information contained within
this plan to be correct at the time of printing. The Ammonia Technicians Association New Zealand
Incorporated do not accept responsibility for any consequences arising from the use of the information
herein.
The Emergency Response plan V0.1 is based on practical Industry experience and research of Ammonia
health and Safety legislation and standards and should not be relied upon as an exhaustive record of all
possible risks or hazards that may exist or potential improvements that can be made.
It is essential that the users of this template add site specific information.

Notes

SITE PHOTOS

Ammonia Emergency Response

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Anhydrous Ammonia Emergency

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Introduction & Purpose ................................................................................................................. 4

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Protection Unit PPU

Name Role Contact

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Use of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus:

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4. If the service technician has had no response from management within 10

6. On arrival to site, Meet with Site liaisons or management to establish location of

7. Complete initial risk analysis or SWMS report

8. Set up an exclusion zone with Caution tape and or signage

11.Wear full face respirator, gloves, and full length overalls.

12.Prepare first aid equipment

14.If remote data acquisition trending is not available, concentration of the

15.Before entering any contaminated space, view concentration trends from a

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18.Where liquid splash potential exists, type 3 suits must be worn

20.Isolate minimise or eliminate where safe to do so

22.Where the leak is deemed critical (Unmanageable Aerosol or >300 ppm)

23.If all attempts of pressure management and positive ventilation prove to be

24.Where requested by the NZFS to enter a Level 4/ type 1 A HAZMAT protective

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 High Pressure Vapour

Emergencies that can occur can be easily defined as:

Do not affect areas outside its immediate location

Typical releases of this nature involve:

 Compressor shaft seal leakages (Low Pressure Vapour)

 Affect areas outside the immediate location

Typical releases of this nature involve:

 Flange separation (High pressure liquid, Low pressure liquid)

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First Aid for Eye Contact:

First Aid for Skin Contact:

First Aid for Inhalation:

In all instances contact 111 for medical assistance

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Concentration (PPM) Effects Performance

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2x Personal Ammonia detection 2x CBRN Suits

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 Is there a fire? Is it safe to use an extinguisher?

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 Firstly, determine which area is immediately

Evacuation is not the only available option

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Protect in Place if: Do NOT protect in place if:

Protect In Place Cont.

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Evacuation Is The Preferred Option If:

(a) There is an immediate threat of fire, explosion or building collapse;

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Date Time Equipment tested Pass sign

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Date Time Peak ppm Respondents Injuries Agencies notified

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Date Time Amendments to plan

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Can Ammonia gas hurt my eyes?

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Ingestion is not an applicable route of exposure for gases.