CIRO Ammonia Safety & Emergency Response 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What are the symptoms of ammonia exposure at various concentration levels?
- 25-50 ppm: eye/throat irritation; 100-200 ppm: severe irritation; 300+ ppm: immediately dangerous; 2500+ ppm: rapidly fatal (Correct answer)
- Ammonia has no health effects below 500 ppm
- Only skin irritation occurs at any concentration
- Ammonia exposure only affects the eyes
Correct answer: 25-50 ppm: eye/throat irritation; 100-200 ppm: severe irritation; 300+ ppm: immediately dangerous; 2500+ ppm: rapidly fatal
Ammonia's effects are dose-dependent: detectable odor at 5-50 ppm, eye/throat irritation at 25-50 ppm, severe coughing at 100+ ppm, IDLH at 300 ppm, pulmonary edema at 500+ ppm, and rapidly fatal at 2500+ ppm.
Question 2: What type of ammonia detector should be installed in a machine room?
- Continuous ammonia monitoring system with alarms at 25 ppm and 150 ppm, connected to ventilation and alarm systems (Correct answer)
- No detectors are required
- Only portable hand-held detectors
- Carbon monoxide detectors are sufficient
Correct answer: Continuous ammonia monitoring system with alarms at 25 ppm and 150 ppm, connected to ventilation and alarm systems
IIAR-2 and ASHRAE 15 require continuous ammonia detection in machinery rooms with alarms at 25 ppm (ventilation activation) and at higher levels for evacuation. Detectors must be calibrated regularly.
Question 3: What is the proper storage requirement for ammonia cylinders?
- Stored upright, secured from falling, in well-ventilated areas away from heat sources and incompatible materials, with proper labeling (Correct answer)
- Laid on their sides in any location
- Inside enclosed unventilated rooms
- Near heat sources for easy visibility
Correct answer: Stored upright, secured from falling, in well-ventilated areas away from heat sources and incompatible materials, with proper labeling
Ammonia cylinders must be stored upright, chained or secured, in ventilated areas away from heat, oxidizers, and ignition sources. Safety caps must be in place when not in use, and cylinders must be properly labeled.
Question 4: What first aid should be administered for ammonia skin contact?
- Immediately flush the affected area with large amounts of lukewarm water for at least 15-20 minutes and remove contaminated clothing (Correct answer)
- Apply ice to the affected area
- Cover with petroleum jelly
- Do not wash; let the ammonia evaporate naturally
Correct answer: Immediately flush the affected area with large amounts of lukewarm water for at least 15-20 minutes and remove contaminated clothing
Ammonia is caustic and causes chemical burns. Immediate, prolonged flushing with water dilutes the ammonia and limits tissue damage. Contaminated clothing must be removed during flushing. Seek medical attention promptly.
Question 5: What is a Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) in the context of ammonia systems?
- A systematic evaluation of potential causes and consequences of fires, explosions, and toxic releases from ammonia systems (Correct answer)
- A financial analysis of system costs
- A maintenance inspection checklist
- A performance test of compressor efficiency
Correct answer: A systematic evaluation of potential causes and consequences of fires, explosions, and toxic releases from ammonia systems
PHA uses methods like What-If analysis, HAZOP, or checklists to identify hazards, evaluate consequences, assess existing safeguards, and recommend additional safety measures. Required for PSM-covered facilities every 5 years.
Question 6: What is the purpose of emergency ventilation in an ammonia machinery room?
- To rapidly dilute and remove ammonia vapor in case of a leak, reducing concentrations to safe levels (Correct answer)
- To provide heating for the machinery room
- To cool the compressors during operation
- To circulate air for employee comfort
Correct answer: To rapidly dilute and remove ammonia vapor in case of a leak, reducing concentrations to safe levels
Emergency ventilation systems activate automatically on ammonia detection (25 ppm), providing rapid air exchanges to dilute leaked ammonia below hazardous levels. ASHRAE 15 specifies the required ventilation rate.
CIRO Ammonia Safety & Emergency Response 2
What are the symptoms of ammonia exposure at various concentration levels?