Under some circumstances, ammonia and
ammonium compounds can form explosive products with other
chemicals.
For additional information, refer
to the following:
-Section 491M "Manual on Hazardous
Chemical Reactions " of the NFPA, 1969 Edition; and
-CG-388, the "Chemical Data Guide
for Bulk Shipment by Water," 1969
WAC 296-826-20020
Emergencies
You must
Make sure only trained personnel designated to respond if a leak occurs in an ammonia system do all of the following:
-Evacuate affected personnel to noncontaminated areas
-Shut off appropriate valves
-Put on all of the following PPE in concentrated ammonia atmospheres and in unknown concentrations of ammonia:
Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)
A plastic or rubber suit
Gauntlet-type plastic or rubber gloves
Make sure a physician treats all employees
with eye injuries caused by liquid ammonia. In addition:
-Immediately flush liquid ammonia from
skin or eyes continuously for a minimum of 15 minutes using
water or eye wash solutions as required by the Safety and
Health Core Rules First
Aid, WAC 296-800-150.
-Don't use neutralizing solutions or ointments
on affected areas.
Drivers unable to stop a leak during transport should:
-Move the vehicle to an isolated area
-Use the current Department of Transportation
(DOT) Emergency Response Guidebook to establish
safe distances to isolate a leaking tank from the
driver and the public.