Rank: New forum user 
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Hello,
I am looking for some guidance around emergency plans for the release of ammonia.
We have some confusion on our site as to where people should be evacuated to.
Also, does anyone know where and if any companies provide ammonia awareness training for company management who are responsible for refrigeration systems.
Many thanks in advance
Natalie
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Rank: Forum user
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They would need to be evacuated to an area opposite the wind direction. This could even be to an area inside a building if necessary.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Evacuation distances & locations depend upon quantities and wind direction.
As far as I am aware, the the US DoT published a guide, primarily for transportation incidents that have some information regarding the distances, otherwise one has to do scenario modelling, which for small scale use may not be essential.
http://phmsa.dot.gov/pv_...200/filename/ERG2012.pdf
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Rank: Super forum user
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Would depend amongst other things on method of storage, location (including indoors, outdoors), scale.
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Rank: New forum user
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Dear Natalie,
Yes, I can help you with Ammonia awareness, I worked in petrochemical industries company and I used to work as HSE Trainer, please let me know what you need and I will try to help.
quote=Natalie S]Hello,
I am looking for some guidance around emergency plans for the release of ammonia.
We have some confusion on our site as to where people should be evacuated to.
Also, does anyone know where and if any companies provide ammonia awareness training for company management who are responsible for refrigeration systems.
Many thanks in advance
Natalie
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Rank: New forum user
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Dear Natalie,
Know the wind direction and accordingly you need to provide the following:
1. Identify the wind direction which passes through your plant/process area.
2. Provide Marshaling point for employees gathering which should be away from the plant or source of exposure.
3. There should be a gas detector (ammonia) with load sound to indicates the gas leak or presence.
4. Provide proper training for all employees classified as exposure group.
5. Provide the proper escape masks to all potentially to be exposed to including the visitors and trainees.
6. Refresher training and awareness sessions.
7. Periodic practical drills to enhance the proper management in case of any real emergency.
8. Provide/hire/contract medical help or facility to react in case of any need to handle victims/injured employees or visitors.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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I used to work for the largest UK supplier of liquid ammonia. As others have said, the emergency response details will depend a lot on the specifics of your site. But assuming you aren't storing large quantities (= many tonnes), some simple evacuation rules for an open-air release are:
- In downwind/nearly buildings, close any open windows, shut down air inlet fans, and keep occupants inside. That will usually be enough to ensure their safety.
- For outside workers, walk ACROSS the wind direction to get away from the release, then enter a building.
- If there is likely to be a continuing release, you should consider having a stock of 'escape sets' that can be taken to any trapped personnel to allow them to evacuate safely. The emergency response team should of course have full BA sets.
- One good thing about ammonia is that you can smell it well below the hazardous limits, thus aiding early escape from an affected area. But continued exposure can desensitise this effect, so don't rely on it during a continuing incident!
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Rank: Super forum user
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Rank: New forum user
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Thank you all very much for the assistance.
I have found it most helpful.
Natalie
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