A chemical leak has just occurred last week in a cold storage warehouse in Louisville, Kentucky leaving two workers dead and leading authorities to monitor the incident.  Prior to this, the warehouse had an ammonia leak in 2007 where three workers were injured.

The leak that happened last Wednesday in Louisville’s American Cold Storage that killed two maintenance workers is being monitored for a possible investigation.

Ammonia leak is a well-known chemical accident in the country though it is said to be rarely fatal because its odor easily provides a warning.

An online report said that the warehouse’s CEO, Sam Bradshaw, still has no idea what caused the leak as they can’t get inside because the place is still filled with ammonia.  However, Bradshaw claimed that neither of the workers was working on refrigeration equipment that uses ammonia as a coolant.  This is also a reference to their 2007 ammonia spill that happened during a routine maintenance of their refrigeration system.

Ammonia or anhydrous ammonia, may affect the eyes, skin and the respiratory system as it is corrosive to these.  Inhalation or skin contact may actually lead to death.  It is flammable at certain concentrations.  These and other reasons are why ammonia is considered a health hazard.  However, it cannot be dismissed from the workplace because of its many uses in different industries.

While authorities are monitoring and deciding whether to open an investigation on the leak, let us look at the ways on how to prevent ammonia leaks in your workplace.

Lessons from the Louisville ammonia leak:

• Be trained.  After the 2007 spill, seven employees of the warehouse were trained to recognize potential ammonia releases.  Four employees also underwent training at University of Louisville.
• Be careful when working with refrigeration systems. The 2007 ammonia leak in the warehouse occurred when the refrigeration system was being maintained.
• Make regular assessments. A risk assessment by the warehouse identified the worst case scenarios that may happen due to ammonia spills, vaporization and leaks.
• Plan. Do risk management plans.  The Louisville warehouse was asked to prepare one since it uses ammonia, a hazardous substance.  The plan may include limiting the amount of ammonia that you are allowed to use.  While you’re at it, have an emergency plan too.  Implement the suitable safeguards to prevent ammonia from being accidentally released.
• Be active in your safety. Having knowledge that ammonia is dangerous is not enough.  Shanks, one of two workers killed in the incident, supposedly knew that he needed to watch the ammonia.  Take the necessary precautionary steps to ensure that you are protected while working.
• Learn from past mistakes. Since 1996, the warehouse reportedly had 19 violations.  One of the company’s other warehouses purportedly had serious violations too, one of which is the failure to provide respiratory protection.
• Upgrade your workplace. Always strive for improvement to meet the requirements of the law for a safe and sound workplace.  The warehouse was apparently upgraded and became cleaner, better and more improved after the 2007 inspection.

Additional safety tips when using ammonia:

• Wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and proper clothing. Wear safety glasses, face shields and gloves.  Use a lab coat or coverall to prevent contact to skin.  Ensure too that your workplace is well-ventilated.  Have wash stations nearby.
• Read and follow the Material Safety Data Sheet or MSDS. Use, handle and store ammonia correctly.  Never combine ammonia with household bleach.  Use only the right amount and concentration.  Store it away from incompatible materials.
• Do not violate the law. Take note of exposure limits of ammonia.  Don’t wait for your workplace to burn up before the authorities discover your shortcomings.
• Watch out for symptoms. Too much exposure to ammonia may cause irritation in your eyes, nose and throat.  Your cornea may also burn.  Other symptoms include coughing, chest pain and skin burns.  See a doctor immediately.
• Always be prepared. Know what to do in case of emergencies.  Have a first aid kit with you.  Coordinate with your health officer.  Make sure that all communication lines are open.
• Wash your hands. Ammonia can cause burns to your mouth, throat and stomach so wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before grabbing that snack or that cigarette stick.

Avoid being fined for irresponsibility.  It’s a waste of money on your part and it is not a very good statement by your workplace.  Be reminded of the lessons and safety tips above so that you avoid a chemical leak similar to what happened to Louisville American Cold Storage.  Whichever workplace you are in, remember, safety first!