Transcaer Ammonia Training 2011 Properties IG Rev11

7/24/2019 Transcaer Ammonia Training 2011 Properties IG Rev11

1/24

TRANSCAERAnhydrous Ammonia Course Ver. 2.0 1

TRANSCAERAnhydrous Ammonia Training

Instructor Guide

Special thanks is given to the following persons whom without their time, expertise and

dedication this program would not be possible.

Featuring:

Paul Baute, Safety, Training, & Security Director, Grammer Industries, Inc.David Binder, Director of Quality, Safety & Regulatory Affairs, Tanner Industries, Inc.

Patrick Brady, CIH, CSP, Asst. Director Hazardous Materials, BNSF Railway

Michael Callan, President, Callan & Company

Mike Chapman, Master Instructor, Ammonia Safety & Training InstituteTom Robinson, Manager, Hazardous Materials, Union Pacific Railroad

Benjamin Salo, Manager, Hazardous Materials, Union Pacific Railroad

TRANSCAERAnhydrous Ammonia Training Curriculum Committee:

David Binder, Chairman, Curriculum Committee, Tanner Industries, Inc.,

Brock Lowman, Co-Vice Chair, Curriculum Committee, BNSF RailwayCharlie Wright, Co-Vice Chair, Curriculum Committee, Retired (formerly of Union Pacific Railroad)

Michael Callan, Callan & Company

Paul Baute, Grammer Industries, Inc.Patrick Brady, BNSF Railway

Thomas Robinson, Union Pacific Railroad

Mike Chapman, Ammonia Safety Training InstituteGary Smith, Ammonia Safety Training InstituteBill Oertly, Norfolk Southern Railway Company

Lane A. Sekavec, Union Pacific Railroad

Pam Guffain, The Fertilizer InstituteMichael White, Missouri Emergency Response Commission

Dawn Warren, Missouri Emergency Response Commission

Ed Chapman, BNSF RailwayRodney Tucker, Iowa Department of Natural Resources

Kristy Moore, Renewable Fuels Association

William Burke, DuPont

Mike Harris, BattelleEmile Bourdet, TRANSCAER

State Coordinator, New Mexico

David Finlayson - Canadian Fertilizer Institute, OttawaDonna Lepik, TRANSCAER

and CHEMTREC


2/24


Instructional Materials

Weve included several tools to help you present this material in a credible, dynamicand consistent manner. These include:

1.

complete PowerPoint presentations of each of the four training blocks;2.

instructor notes embedded into the PowerPoint presentations;

3.

complete video presentation of each block in DVD format, playable on bothregular DVD players and on computers equipped with DVD drives;

4.

student and instructor manuals;

5.

a few extras weve thrown in (note: these could be extra videos, PDFs,handouts, etc.to be determined prior to distribution)

The PowerPoint presentations and extras are accessible from a separate folder when

the DVD is inserted into a computer.

All the materials were developed by our team of seasoned experts from across variousindustries. While they are intended to be used as a cohesive training package, werecognize that there may be local issues or unique circumstances that may lead youto change these presentations for your use. If that is the case, we ask that youcontact us first both TRANSCAER and the Fertilizer Institute have designed anddeveloped this training package in a fashion to promote safety and proper response toanhydrous ammonia incidents and do NOT endorse or support variations to the videosor PowerPoint presentations without review and approval.

As a lead field instructor, we recommend you prepare properly for the presentationsas a whole. This includes having some familiarity with the ENTIRE program, not justyour section. Watch the entire DVD and take a look at ALL the PowerPointpresentations there may be elements that have some overlap, or complementanother presentation. Being aware of what is in your session and how it relates to theentire program will only make for a more effective training opportunity. Of course, wedont expect you to just read the instructor notes verbatimwe certainly dont want

death by PowerPoint! We recognize that you may have experiences and knowledge

to bring to the table, but in order to deliver the cohesive message weve worked hardto design, we would not want you to inject opinions or advice that run counter to thetraining set forth by our development team.

The feedback weve received has been very positive. Were confident this trainingpackage will help you, your team and your community. If you have any questions,please do not hesitate to contact us. Good luck and be safe!


3/24


Methodology

This course uses lecture, discussion and hands on training when applicable.

Estimated Total Time: 4 Hours

Time Section/Activity IG Pages

10 min. Introductions Unit 1 Pg 4-6

60 min. Section 1. Anhydrous Ammonia Properties Unit 1 Pg 7-24

60 min. Section 2: Cargo Trailers, Nurse Tanks,Straight Trucks

Unit 2 Pg 1-16

60 min. Section 3: Railway Transportation Unit 3 Pg 1-19

60 min. Section 4: Emergency Response Unit 4 Pg 1-27

Audiovisuals/Handouts

Visuals - Section 1 31 slides




Student Handout

Evaluation

Course Evaluation


4/24


Introductions 10 min.

I. INTRODUCTION TO TRANSCAERAMMONIA TRAINING

Instructor Note:The purpose of thissection is to welcome the students to thecourse and to review emergency and facilityinformation. If possible, a representativefrom the host department should welcomethe students and provide any pertinentinformation about the community, i.e.eating places, entertainment, etc. Welcomeremarks should be no more than 10

minutes.

A.

Welcome students

1.

This course is being presented by_____________.

2.

The department that is hosting the

training is_______________________.

3.

Instructor Note:You should provide somebasic information for your introduction.After the introduction, thank the host forhosting the course and the students.Provide enough detailed information about

yourself to answer for the students thefollowing question, What gives this personthe credibility to deliver this block ofinstruction?


5/24


B. Emergency procedures

Instructor Note:Emergency informationshould be gathered prior to the start of thecourse. Contact information should be listed

on a whiteboard or easel pad.

1. Emergency exits

2. Fire alarm

3.

Emergency contact phonenumbers

4.

Severe weather procedures andalarm sounds

5. Procedures for receiving anemergency call

C. Facility information

1.

Restrooms

2.

Parking areas

3.

Telephones

4.

Refreshment areas

5.

Rules for refreshments inclassroom

Ask Students:Are there any questionsabout the facility or emergency procedures?

Answer any questions. If needed, refer thequestion to the host. Ensure all necessaryforms have been completed by eachstudent.


6/24


Student Introduction

Purpose:To learn about the background of each student.

Instructor Note:Depending on class size, (a guide would be 20 or less)if possible have all students introduce themselves. Ask them to mention ifthey have had any experience with ammonia in their jurisdiction. Keepthis short and help to move the process along if someone starts to taketoo much time.

Directions to the Students:

Please introduce yourself, giving your name and agency that your work for.Please let us know if you have had any experience with anhydrous ammoniaresponse in your agency.


7/24


Section 1:Properties of Anhydrous Ammonia 60min.

Lesson Goal

After completing this lesson, the student shall be familiar with ammoniaproperties.

Objectives

Upon successful completion of this section, the student shall be able to:

1.

Obtain knowledge and understanding of the physical and chemical

properties of anhydrous ammonia

2.

Understand the properties and how that relates to actual, real life

response to anhydrous ammonia

3.

Understand and recognize the health effects of anhydrous

ammonia exposure from both liquid and vapor phases

4.

Understand the basic first aid for victims of ammonia exposures

5.

Obtain knowledge to make risk based response decisions and

recommendations involving an ammonia leak or incident, based on

ammonias properties and an assessment of the event

I. ANHYDROUS AMMONIAPROPERTIES

Instructor Note:The purpose of thissection is to discuss the chemicalproperties of ammonia. This sectionshould be given enough time tointroduce the students to the material

and give them some time to discuss anyquestions.


8/24


A.

Anhydrous Ammonia

1.

Pure liquefied compressed gas

2.

It is 100% ammonia

3.

Chemical formula is NH3

a.

One part nitrogen

b.

Three parts hydrogen

4.

Anhydrous = without water

5.

Anhydrous ammonia has highertoxicity than aqua ammonia-anhydrous ammonia is 100%ammonia.


9/24


B.

Aqua Ammonia

1. Ammonia and water

2. NH4OH

3.

Corrosive liquid

4.

Ammonium hydroxide

5.

Ammonia solutions usually 10-35% concentration by weight

6.

Usually either 19% or 30% byweight concentration

Instructor Note: We are covering anhydrous ammonia today - the

liquefied compressed gas. You may have planning or responseresponsibilities to fixed facilities or a transportation incident andsomeone states we have ammonia on site. Personnel may notdistinguish between anhydrous ammonia and aqua ammonia it is justammonia to them since that is what they have on site or aretransporting. Aqua ammonia is ammonia and water blended together usually a 19% or 30% concentration. Anhydrous ammonia is pure 100%ammonia. It is important to know which product you are dealing with.Both are hazardous, but obviously anhydrous ammonia is morehazardous and response considerations will be different than with aquaammonia. The type of storage or transport container will also bedifferent.


10/24


C.

Ammonia Uses

1. Fertilizer - 80% produced goesto agricultural purposes

a.

Used for high nitrogen

content - 82% nitrogenby molecular weight

b. Not put directly on plantsbecause of corrosivenature

c.

By molecular weightanhydrous ammonia is82% Nitrogen

2.

Power Plants

a. Used in coal and naturalgas fired plants

b.

Used as a pollutioncontrol in a smoke stackscrubber system

c. Ammonia will convertNOx to nitrogen and

water

3.

Refrigeration

a.

Ammonia has low boilingpoint

b.

Great heat absorptionproperties

4.

Heat Treating

5.

Water Treatment

6.

Diazo Machines - Blue PrintIndustry


11/24


7.

Illicit Use - Meth Labs

a.

Use of anhydrousammonia is prevalent

b.

Used in liquid phase

D.

Properties

1.

Colorless liquid - looks likewater

2.

Has a pungent odor detectableat 2 ppm to 5ppm

a.

Federal OSHA PermissibleExposure Limit is 50 ppm

b.

This low odor thresholdprovides good earlywarning - the product willnot sneak up on you

3.

Boiling Point -28 F

a.

Low BP means most likelyresponders will deal withvapor phase

4. Anhydrous ammonia can formliquid pools near the point ofthe leak

5.

High Latent Heat ofVaporization

a.

When ammonia boils itabsorbs a tremendous

amount of heat which iswhy it is used inrefrigeration


12/24


b.

Based on the low boilingpoint and this absorptionof heatthere is potentialfor frost or freeze burns ifthe liquid phase contacts

skin

6.

Liquid Density - 5.15 lb/gal @60 deg F

7.

Vapor Density - 0.6 (Air=1)

a.

Vapor may still hug theground if there is highhumidity in the releasearea

b.

Vapor @ atmosphericconditions

c.

Liquid under pressure

8.

When ammonia boils it absorbsheat

a. Used as a refrigerant

b.

You will see a white cloud9.

Even though anhydrousammonia is lighter than air, itmay exhibit heavier than aircharacteristics

a.

Weather impactsanhydrous ammoniasbehavior

b.

Wet, misty, foggyweather will holdanhydrous ammoniacloser to the ground. Thisslide is during a mistyrainy day.


13/24


c.

Cold temps will also holdanhydrous ammoniacloser to the ground

10.

Note in the slide thatresponders are in Level B PPEsince this is a controlled drill.Would normally be in Level APPE during an emergencyresponse

11. This picture is during clearerweather. Note the V pattern ofthe cloud

a.

Ammonia will take thispattern whether in the airor hugging the ground

b. Move laterally and upwindto get out of the cloud.The side line of the V isvery well defined-something or nothing.This will happen with

invisible vapor clouds andvisible white clouds

c.

Ammonia clouds mayhook back toward theground in a horseshoetype effect. You can seein the picture the cloud ishooking over. Thus, even

with good weather thecloud could bounce backif it is a more significantrelease (dense whitecloud)


14/24


12.

Wet Weather again- Note the Vis wider and hanging closer tothe ground due to moisture onthe ground

13.

Another wet weather day youcan see the ammonia cloudhugging the ground and notgoing up and away

E.

Properties- Pressure/Temperature Relationship

1.

High coefficient of expansion

2.

85% fill limit for storagecontainers

a.

This prevents ahydrostatic pressurebuildup which could leadto a BLEVE

b.

There will always be a

vapor space in acontainer provided it isnot overfilled

c.

The fill limit allows forexpansion andcontraction astemperature changes


15/24


3.

High Volumetric ExpansionRatio

a.

Expansion ratio of 850:1

b.

The vapor in the slide isprobably 10-12lbs ofliquid (approx 2 gallons)

4. Small cylinder was shipped outslightly overfilled

5. Was shipped out and put in a70 degree room for storage and

over expanded and ruptured

6.

These small cylinders as well asthe more typical largercylinders often dont havepressure relief devices

7.

When heated these cylinderscan BLEVE

8.

Pressure/TemperatureRelationship

a. As the temp of the

material inside acontainer rises the vaporpressure on thatcontainer rises

b. This relationship isindependent of thevolume amount in thecontainer


16/24


c.

A container showing 0gauge pressure may notbe empty. At times youcould see a frost or sweatline which would be an

indication that liquidammonia is present in acontainer or a line

9. Discuss with students thatgiven the different volumes andtemperature of the tanks whatwould the pressure gaugeread?

a.

Both tanks would bereading the samepressure if the tanks areat the same temperature

F.

Additional PropertyConsiderations

1.

Ammonia is a very strong base

2.

People who contact ammoniacan get a caustic/alkaline burn

3.

A 30% concentration in watercan have a pH of 13.5 orgreater

4. Ammonia is corrosive to copperand brass alloys

5.

Refer to a Material Safety DataSheet for all incompatibilities

6.

You may see greenish corrosionas a sign of ammoniacontacting an incompatiblemetal


17/24


G.

Flammability

1. Ammonia does not have a FlashPoint but does have aflammable range

2.

Flammable range is typically16-25%. The widest rangereferenced in NIOSH is 15-28%

3. Indoor releases should betreated with caution in regardsto flammability

a.

Releases may reach theLEL

b.

In industrial refrigerationsettings you may haveother contaminants in themix affecting the LEL/UELrange

c.

Control ignition sourcesand ventilate before entry

d.

Stay out of areas withvisible clouds

H. Ammonia Exposure

1.

Vapor Exposure

a. More forgiving

b.

Irritating

c.

High levels can cause acaustic burn

d. Escape laterally andupwind from the release


18/24


2.

Liquid Exposure

a.

Very Cold

b.

Can cause frost bite

c.

Caustic/Alkaline chemical

burn

I.

Health Effects and First Aid

1.

First Aid

a.

Take the patient outsideto fresh air and provideoxygen if needed

b. Decontaminate with

water for 15-20 minutes

c. Do not use any topicalointments or treatments

d.

Clothing may freeze tothe skin in liquidexposures

2.

Ensure victims are

decontaminated prior totransport by EMS

3. Permissible Limits

a. Federal PEL= 50 ppm

b. NIOSH REL = 25 ppm

c.

Short Term ExposureLimit (STEL) = 35 ppm

for 15 minutesd.

IDLH = 300 ppm

4.

Cartridge respirators should notbe used in IDLH atmospheres.Use Self Contained BreathingApparatus when above IDLHvalues.


19/24


5.

Health issues per dose vary

6. Length of time affects level ofsymptoms

a.

The greater the

concentration the worsethe health effects may be

i. This may rangefrom irritation todoses that are fatal

ii. Ammonia ismoisture seeking soyou will feel it in

mucous membranessuch as the eyes,nose, and throat

iii.

Moist areas of theskin will sting

iv. Higher doses canlead to bronchialspasm, and

pulmonary edemav.

Remember the lowodor thresholdprovides good earlywarning of thepresence ofammonia

b. A persons level of healthand pre-existingconditions can affect theirresponse to exposures


20/24


J.

Response Considerations

1. Indoor Response

a. Flammability concerns arehigher

b.

Level of PPE required

c.

Ventilation is needed

i.

Negative pressurein a non-flammableatmosphere

ii. Positive pressure

d. Do not enter anatmosphere where thereis a visible cloud

2.

Indoor ammonia releases canpose potential flammabilityconcerns

3. Ventilate and control ignitionsources prior to entry

4.

This picture is an example of arelease that sparked a fire

5. Outdoor Response

a.

Downwind threatsassessed

i.

Public exposures

ii.

The type of release

iii.

Weather effects


21/24


b.

Where/when to use water

i.

Downwind toknockdown vapors;not on the leakingcontainer or release

point unless there isheat impingement

ii.

On containers tocontrol flameimpingement

6. Outdoor releases

a. Note the V pattern in therelease

b.

You may see liquiddroplets in the air nearthe release point

c.

White dense gas cloudwill be downwind

d. The bottom cloud is fromthe aerosol droplets

7. Choose a good area for usingwater to protect downwindconcerns

a.

Would be in the left sideof the release outside ofthe aerosol cloud

b. Be sure to control runoff

as a little ammonia candrastically change the pHof water


22/24


K.

Control measures for outdoorreleases

1.

Tarp cover and containmentmay be used in some incidents

2.

The release point is coveredwith a tarp

3.

The tarp covers the releasepoint and the escaping densegas condenses to liquid phaseand then will cool the releasepoint; with ammonia if youdrop temperature you will drop

pressure- there is a directrelationship

4.

Your downwind concerns areminimized in that the release iscontrolled/contained to thelocal release area

5. Not a cure all tactic- but anoption to contain the release

6. Condensed ammonia under thetarp will hit the ground,vaporize but will get coldenough to form pooling liquidammonia

7. Dont walk through any liquidpools


23/24


L.

Summary

1. Find a knowledgeable personon ammonia response

2. Can the leak be isolated

remotely?

3.

Has Power been controlled tothe structure?

4.

Control any ignition sources

5. Do not turn valves unlessinstructed to do so

6.

Use the proper level of PPE

7. Use water appropriately

8. Control and contain ifappropriate


24/24

LEGAL NOTICE

The Fertilizer Institute and the American Chemistry Council, Inc. (2011)

This work is protected by copyright. The Fertilizer Institute and the American Chemistry Council,

Inc., which are the owners of the copyright, hereby grant a nonexclusive royalty-free license to

reproduce and distribute this work, subject to the following limitations:

1. The work must be reproduced in its entirety without alteration, abridgement, revision or

other modification;

2. All copies of the work must include a cover page bearing The Fertilizer Institute andAmerican Chemistry Council, Inc.s Notice of Copyright of this work; and

3. Copies of the work may not be sold or used by another party for profit or as part of a for-

profit enterprise.The materials developed for the Anhydrous Ammonia Training Tour 2011 are intended to provide

general understanding and guidance to emergency responders in addressing anhydrous ammonia

incidents. They include information about the chemical and helpful considerations that theemergency responder can employ when faced with such an incident. The materials are in no way

intended to be prescriptive or otherwise recommend specific procedures on how to respond.

Emergency responders are encouraged to consult with the product manufacturer, carrier and other

experts when assessing and managing any incident involving anhydrous ammonia.

Documents

Transcaer Ammonia Training 2011 Properties IG Rev11