Ammonia is commonly used for industrial refrigeration, and comes with associated risks. Here are 3 steps to ammonia emergency preparedness in industrial refrigeration.

1. 3 Steps to
Ammonia
Emergency
Preparedness
for Industrial
Refrigeration

2. Ammonia is commonly
used for industrial
refrigeration for both
performance and
environmental
reasons.

3. The main safety concerns
around Ammonia are due
to its:
• toxicity
• flammability

4. Impact of Ammonia
Exposure to Humans
Even at low concentration
levels the effects of
ammonia exposure
can be hazardous.
*Ammonia is measured
in parts per million.

5. Low Ammonia
Concentration Level
(5ppm)
• Sharp odor is detectable.

6. Moderate Ammonia
Concentration Level
(6-49ppm)
• Irritation to the eyes
• Irritation to the respiratory
tract
• Possible nausea
• Possible vomiting

7. High Ammonia
Concentration Level
(50ppm+)
• Possible ulcerations to
the eyes
• Severe irritation to the
respiratory tract

8. Extremely High Ammonia
Concentration Level
(300-500ppm)
• Potentially fatal
• Can cause fluid build-up in
the lungs
• Severe shortness
of breath

9. To keep
workers safe
during ammonia
leaks, these three
steps should be
followed for
ammonia emergency
preparedness.

10. 3 Steps to
Ammonia
Emergency
Preparedness

11. 1. Make sure you have the
minimal safety equipment
assembled and easily
accessible in an
identifiable location.
*Make sure this equipment
is rated for Ammonia.

12. Equipment:
• Goggles
• Full Face Shield
• Chemical Resistant Gloves
• Chemical Resistant Boots
• Emergency Eye Wash/Shower
Station
• First Aid Kit
• Full Face Gas Mask
• Positive Pressure
Self-Contained Breathing
Apparatus
• Chemical Resitant Suits
• 2-Way Radio
• Hearing Protection
(Ear Plugs)

13. 2) Have
Ammonia safety
support tools
on hand to aid
in emergency
situations.

14. Tools:
• Rescue rope
• Non-sparking pipe
wrench
• Ammonia rated purge
hose
• Portable monitoring
equipment
• Flashlights
• Water hose with mist nozzle
• Portable ventilation fans
• 2-Way Radio
• Hearing Protection (Ear Plugs)

15. 3. Make sure
employees are trained
and up-to-date on the
proper emergency
preparedness
procedures.

16. Employees
Should:
• Be knowledgeable of
all applicable system
safety procedures.
• Wear personal protective
equipment and must be
trained in its proper use.
• Ensure equipment is
cleaned, inspected
and maintained according to
manufacturer’s
recommendations at least
monthly and after each use.

17. Get a copy of
an Emergency
Preparedness
Checklist

18. It’s important that an
emergency procedure
is in place, and it is
vital that preventative
measures are taken
to protect workers
from ammonia
exposure.

19. The accidental release
of ammonia can be
prevented by taking
steps to ensure that
your refrigeration
system is working
in peak condition.
Learn more about preventing
ammonia leaks.

20. If you have questions
about ammonia emergency
preparedness or preventative
maintenance, leave us a
comment or get
in touch.
Berg Chilling Systems Inc.
51 Nantucket Blvd.
Toronto, ON M1P 2N5
(416) 755-2221
bergsales@berg-group.com
berg-group.com