Ammonia Safety & Emergency Response Flashcards

What are the symptoms of ammonia exposure at various concentration levels?

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.

What type of ammonia detector should be installed in a machine room?

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.

What is the proper storage requirement for ammonia cylinders?

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.

What first aid should be administered for ammonia skin contact?

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.

What is a Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) in the context of ammonia systems?

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.

What is the purpose of emergency ventilation in an ammonia machinery room?

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.