Hi all, Im trying to establish the procedures to be followed in the event of a large ammonia release that could effect surrounding resedential areas. We use large amounts of ammonia in the snow making within our indoor ski centre. I have a written procedure to deal with evacuation of guests, employees, contractors etc but not fully sure what would be required in the event of a catastrophic release. In the UK I would imagine that the local fire brigade would be responsible for treating a large scale amonia release alongside any specialist services. Can anybody guide me as to the procedures that would be followed and how the situation would be controlled in terms of evacuating residential areas. Any help appreciated. Paul

Not enough to fall into COMAH? ...that would make life more fun! It may be worth using the COMAH guidance though to derive a plan, also contact your county emergency planning unit. http://www.google.co.uk/...gency+planning&meta= They will assist with off site plan if needed, or at least put you in touch with COMAH site so you can go and see how they do it! I went to a few control centres and watched some live play mock incidents in the north east, all good learning! good luck

Also talk to your local authorities Civil Resilience [the old title= emergency planning] team

Are you in Dubai? - I ask because I've seen a TV programme about construction of the indoor ski centre there and believe its in a fairly built-up area. In UK storage of bulk liquid ammonia would probably not be permitted in such an area, so some of the advice above may not help much. From my general experience many years ago with the largest UK producer of liquid ammonia, if there is a large spill the following are general precautions: - Stay indoors, with doors & windows sealed (and a/c off - which will be a problem for you if you need to communicate quickly with neighbours to ensure they do that?) - If in a cloud, move at right angles to the wind direction to get out of it. - To minimise pool evaporation, set up water sprays around the pool as ammonia is readily absorbed. DON'T spray water onto the pool as that increases the evaporation rate. - If you think a large spill is a real possibility, you may need to think about ways to isolate inventory - for example with remotely operated valves. - Of course all this should have been considered during the design phase. It would be surprising if a reputable designer and/or ammonia supplier hadn't thought about this at all. Have you checked the designers risk register to see what they considered?