Anhydrous

Ammonia
Health hazards
 Irritant to mucous membranes

 Corrosive effects from high

levels

 Coughing and bronchial spasms

1a
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
Health hazards
 Chemical burn from vaporization
of liquid ammonia

 Workers with chronic

respiratory problems/sensitivity
should avoid ammonia exposure

1c
Tank preparation for
unloading operations
 Reliable, trained workers only

 Set brake, block wheels

2a
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
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
Tank preparation for
unloading operations
 Tank car must be substantially
level

2d
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
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
Unloading tank cars
 Equipment for ammonia service
• Pumps
• Compressors
• Backflow check valves
• Excess flow valves

3c
Unloading tank cars
 Connections must be securely
attached before unloading
starts

 Remove unloading connection

after completion of loading

3d
Emergency procedures
 Ammonia leaks detected by
odor

 Know employee procedures in

event of a leak

4a
Emergency procedures
 Ammonia is lighter than air
• Stay low to the ground, and move
upwind

4b
Emergency procedures
 Wear an emergency escape
respirator, if available

4c
Summary of main points
 Hazards involved

 Preparation for unloading of

tank car

 Unloading procedures

 Emergency procedures
5a