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Liquid ammonia safe use management guide
Liquid ammonia is a highly flammable, explosive, and toxic hazardous substance. In the event of a leak, it can lead to fires, explosions, and severe frostbite. On June 3, 2013, a serious fire accident occurred at Jilin Baoyuan Feng Poultry Industry Co., Ltd. in Dehui City, Jilin Province. Initial investigations suggested that the incident was caused by a liquid ammonia leak, resulting in numerous casualties. This tragedy highlights the critical need for strict management of liquid ammonia use to prevent such disasters from happening again.
First, enhancing safety awareness and knowledge about liquid ammonia is essential. Safety training on liquid ammonia must be an integral part of daily operations and the "three-level" safety education system within the company. Employees at all levels should be well-informed about the risks associated with liquid ammonia and trained in safe handling, prevention, and emergency response. Operators working with liquid ammonia systems must hold valid certifications as required by national regulations.
Second, regular maintenance of equipment and facilities is crucial. Storage tanks, cylinders, pipelines, valves, and safety devices must be routinely inspected and maintained to avoid operational failures and ensure compliance with safety standards. Pressure vessels, pipes, safety valves, gauges, and thermometers must be approved by quality supervision authorities before being put into service. Any equipment found to be unsafe or obsolete must be immediately taken out of operation. For equipment under monitoring, specific management plans should be established, including reduced operating pressure, more frequent inspections, and enhanced monitoring to minimize risks.
Third, a comprehensive safety management system for equipment maintenance must be established. Companies should follow industry standards such as "Safety Regulations for Fire Work in the Factory" (HG23011-1999), "Safety Regulations for Equipment in the Plant Area" (HG23012-1999), and "Safety Regulations for Equipment Maintenance and Repair Operations in the Factory Area" (HG23018-1999). These guidelines should form the basis of strict safety protocols and operation permits, ensuring that all maintenance activities—especially those involving gas or fire—are conducted safely and responsibly.
Fourth, the start-up, shutdown, and handover processes must be strictly controlled. A detailed safety work system should be developed and implemented rigorously. Before any major overhaul, especially after long periods of inactivity, three key steps should be followed: First, create a thorough start-up plan and carefully prepare for the process to avoid rushed operations. Second, provide targeted safety training to employees before the start-up to ensure they are fully prepared and aware of their responsibilities. Third, conduct a comprehensive safety inspection prior to starting operations, identify and address any potential hazards, assign clear responsibilities, and implement a sign-off system to guarantee safe operations.
Finally, an effective emergency response plan must be in place. Companies should develop a detailed emergency plan, establish an emergency response team, equip them with necessary tools, and conduct regular drills. Emergency procedures tailored to each area where liquid ammonia is used should be created, and staff should be trained to handle alarms, protection, evacuation, first aid, and on-site containment. This ensures that in the event of an accident, quick and effective action can be taken to reduce damage and save lives.
(Xu Guangliang)