ANHYDROUS AMMONIA EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

WHAT TO DO IN AN EMERGENCY

Remain calm, assess the situation and use extreme caution. (Note: All employees must be familiar with a facility’s detailed emergency response procedures.)

Call the police and fire departments.
Remove injured persons only if this can be done without injury to yourself.
Block off all other accesses to the emergency area.
Evacuate people from areas that may be affected by the emergency.
Detour motorists from downwind areas. (This activity should only be done by trained personnel)
Approach the accident from upwind and shut off the valves, if possible.
Apply a fog of water (if trained as a fireman) to the ammonia plume before it leaves the property.
Close the valves between the tank and the leak. This must be done by a trained person wearing a self contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and protective clothing. Attach a life-line (rope) that leads to a second person away from the leak. This person must also have an air-supplied respirator available in case the first respirator fails or for an additional rescue or emergency assistance. If the leak can’t be controlled by the shut off valves, continue spraying the plume with water and if possible, transfer the product to other tanks.
Notify National Response Center immediately if the release of anhydrous ammonia is greater than 100 pounds at 800-424-8802. Notification should occur within 15 minutes of the release. (Delay in reporting may result in substantial penalties)
Notify state agencies as soon as possible.

WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF ACCIDENT OR INJURY

Water and plenty of it is the only first aid treatment. If a person comes in contact with a spray of ammonia liquid or vapor, flushing with large quantities of clean water is essential. This is the reason 5-gallon containers of water are carried on nurse trailers and applicators and large tanks of water or emergency showers are located in the bulk plant. These tanks must be large enough to completely submerge someone.

CONTACT WITH SKIN AND MUCOUS MEMBRANE

Get the victim to clean water in a hurry. Put the injured part of the body under water or if necessary get the victim into the tank or under the shower. Remove clothing and shoes while in the water as clothing may be frozen to the body. Continue flushing with water for at least 15 minutes. Under no conditions should salves, ointments, or bandages be applied for at least 24 hours.

CONTACT WITH THE EYES

If even a small quantity of ammonia enters the eyes, flush with a large amount of clean water for at least 15 minutes. Hold the eyelids apart. Call a doctor. After the first 15-minute period of flushing, if a physician isn’t available, continue flushing for a second 15-minute period. Don’t apply oils or oily ointments. Get the victim to a physician, preferably an eye specialist, as soon as possible.

INHALATION

Take the victim to an uncontaminated area. If the exposure has been to slight concentrations for a short time, usually no treatment is required. When there is severe exposure to higher concentrations, oxygen can be administered, but only by qualified personnel or a physician. If the patient is not breathing, begin artificial respiration immediately and call the nearest hospital or doctor. Never attempt to give anything by mouth to an unconscious patient. Keep the victim warm (not hot), and have them rest.

TAKEN INTERNALLY

If liquid anhydrous ammonia has been swallowed, call a physician immediately. If the patient is conscious and able, they should drink large amounts of water to dilute the chemical. Don’t induce vomiting if the patient is in shock, extreme pain or is unconscious. If vomiting begins, place the patient face down with head lower than hips. (This prevents vomit from entering the lungs and causing further injury or death.)