Anhydrous Ammonia

1
Anhydrous Ammonia
2
Health hazards

• Irritant to mucous membranes
• Corrosive effects from high levels
• Coughing and bronchial spasms

1a
3
Health hazards

• Edema, strangulation, asphyxia
• Rapidly fatal when concentrations are 5,000 to
  10,000 ppm
• Immediately fatal when concentration is greater
  than 10,000ppm

1b
4
Health hazards

• Chemical burn from vaporization of liquid ammonia
• Workers with chronic respiratory
  problems/sensitivity should avoid ammonia exposure

1c
5
Tank preparation for unloading operations

• Reliable, trained workers only
• Set brake, block wheels

2a
6
Tank preparation for unloading operations

• Caution signs
• Size
• At least 12 inches (30 cm) by 15 inches (38 cm)
• Material
• Metal or comparable material

2b
7
Tank preparation for unloading operations

• Caution signs
• Wording
• STOP - Tank Car Connected
• STOP - Men at Work
• Lettering
• White on blue background
• At least 3.9 inches (10 cm) high
• Other words at least 2 inches (5 cm) high

2c
8
Tank preparation for unloading operations

• Tank car must be substantially level

2d
9
Unloading tank cars

• Do not unload unless consigned for delivery and
  unloaded on private track
• Lading must be piped from car to permanent
  storage tanks when private track is not available

3a
10
Unloading tank cars

• Delivery and removal of loaded unit tanks from a
  tank car DOT-106A or 110A is not allowed on
  carrier tracks
• Attendant must be present at all times during
  unloading, while connections are in place

3b
11
Unloading tank cars

• Equipment for ammonia service
• Pumps
• Compressors
• Backflow check valves
• Excess flow valves

3c
12
Unloading tank cars

• Connections must be securely attached before
  unloading starts
• Remove unloading connection after completion of
  loading

3d
13
Emergency procedures

• Ammonia leaks detected by odor
• Know employee procedures in event of a leak

4a
14
Emergency procedures

• Ammonia is lighter than air
• Stay low to the ground, and move upwind

4b
15
Emergency procedures

• Wear an emergency escape respirator, if available

4c
16
Summary of main points

• Hazards involved
• Preparation for unloading of tank car
• Unloading procedures
• Emergency procedures

5a