DRAFT St. Lawrence University Ammonia Contingency Plan for Appleton Arena Prepared by Suna Stone-McMasters, Pat Gagnon, Joe Prashaw and Rick Scott Rev 7 Emergency Phone Numbers: St. Lawrence University Security and Safety (S&S) 315-229-5555 Director of Safety and Security (Pat Gagnon) 315 ___-____ Maintenance Contractor (Rick Kuhn, Siemens Inc.) Cell 315-430-2557 Canton Fire Department 911 On-call Facilities Operations Manager S&S Dispatcher keeps list/numbers Facility Manager (Joe Prashaw) Cell: 315-323-1148 Office: 315-229-5617 Facility Operations Director (Dan Seaman) Cell: 315-224-8345 Pager: 315-747-1209 Chemical Hygiene Officer (Suna Stone- McMasters) Office: 315-229-5105 Cell: 315-600-6122 PURPOSE AND SCOPE The purpose of this plan is to provide information to the employees of St. Lawrence University regarding response to an accidental release of anhydrous ammonia from the refrigeration system at Appleton Arena and safeguard the employees, students and the public in the event of an emergency. This plan applies to all employees of St. Lawrence University (including part-time employees, student employees, and contractors working onsite) who are involved in the maintenance of, or emergency response associated with the Appleton Arena refrigeration system. RESPONSIBILITIES
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St. Lawrence University Ammonia Contingency Plan for Appleton Arena
Prepared by Suna Stone-McMasters, Pat Gagnon, Joe Prashaw and Rick ScottRev 7
Emergency Phone Numbers:St. Lawrence University Security and Safety (S&S) 315-229-5555Director of Safety and Security (Pat Gagnon) 315 ___-____Maintenance Contractor (Rick Kuhn, Siemens Inc.) Cell 315-430-2557Canton Fire Department 911On-call Facilities Operations Manager S&S Dispatcher keeps list/numbersFacility Manager (Joe Prashaw) Cell: 315-323-1148
Office: 315-229-5617Facility Operations Director (Dan Seaman) Cell: 315-224-8345
The purpose of this plan is to provide information to the employees of St. Lawrence University regarding response to an accidental release of anhydrous ammonia from the refrigeration system at Appleton Arena and safeguard the employees, students and the public in the event of an emergency. This plan applies to all employees of St. Lawrence University (including part-time employees, student employees, and contractors working onsite) who are involved in the maintenance of, or emergency response associated with the Appleton Arena refrigeration system.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Facility Manager:o Ensures employees and refrigeration contractor (Siemens) are familiar with the plan. o Inspects the ammonia sensor and ensures repairs are made.o Schedules ammonia sensor test and PM with NCC (alarm system contractor)o Consults with the Chemical Hygiene Officer to solicit advice for changes, training
and maintenance of the plan. Heating Plant Manager:
o Ensures alarm system and Honeywell controls are operationalChemical Hygiene Officer
o Reviews the Ammonia Contingency Plan annually in consultation with those concerned.
o Oversees the effective implementation of the Ammonia Contingency PlanSecurity Director
o Liaises with the fire department.
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GENERAL
The ice rink is open between August 20 and March 20. The ammonia system is located in the compressor room in Appleton Arena which is accessed from the north parking lot through the large overhead door or through the interior hallway. The refrigerant system has two compressor units, which are regularly maintained. It contains 300 lbs. of anhydrous ammonia (NH3). Three additional cylinders holding a total of 300 pounds of anhydrous ammonia are also stored in the compressor room. Drawings of Appleton Arena with refrigeration system layout are in Appendix A.
AMMONIA ALARM SYSTEM
The compressor room is equipped with a gas sensor for detection of ammonia leaks which is mounted on the electrical panel to the right of the compressors.
The system alarm works as follows:
1- The alarm will activate an audible and strobe alarm by the compressor room overhead door when the ammonia concentration reaches 75 ppm. This alarm is a warning to evacuate Appleton Arena. In addition, the alarm will report to the Security Office via an autodialer, access control system and the fire alarm panel. Employees may not enter the compressor room once the alarm has been activated.
If an ammonia smell is detected outside Appleton Arena, emergency phones located in the Appleton office at the opposite end of the building, can be used to inform Safety and Security (x5555)
If the alarm system malfunctions the facility manager will take immediate steps to return it to service and advise Safety & Security, EH&S and all Appleton staff that the system is out of service.
RESPONSE
Upon activation of the alarm, the Safety & Security dispatcher is alerted and will in turn immediately contact the County dispatcher at 911 and send a patrol officer to the scene to assist as directed. Safety & Security will dispatch the Maintenance Contractor and the Facility Manager. They will next contact the Director of Facilities Operations. Selected SLU staff (per the Facilities Management Call-In Protocol) will also be notified by the dispatcher as soon as possible after the response has been initiated.
All building occupants will evacuate the space regardless of any event in progress. The Incident Commander (or their designee) will be in charge of the response and direct any evacuation of the building and outside area. Emergency evacuation routes are posted throughout the building.
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Security and Facilities staff working in the arena shall remain available to assist in directing the evacuation by posting themselves at the exits of the building. Staff not on duty may be called in to assist in the event of a serious emergency.
An emergency ammonia release valve and refrigeration equipment power shut-off switch are located in a locked red box mounted 8 feet up on the west wall, adjacent to the exterior Compressor room door. (See photo in Appendix A.) In case of an emergency, Canton Fire & Rescue or the St. Lawrence County Hazmat Team will open the valve and shut down the system.
An event such as a major fire near the compressor room or a large discharge from the ammonia refrigeration system poses a health hazard to people in the vicinity. The Incident Commander, most likely the Canton Fire Chief, would decide on the need to activate the Village of Canton Disaster Plan for an evacuation and activate the ammonia release valve. The map provided in Appendix D delineates an isolation zone of 200 ft in all directions and an evacuation zone of zone of 0.4 miles (DAY) or 1.4 miles (NIGHT) to safeguard people who could be affected from a discharge from the ammonia refrigeration system.
COMPRESSOR SHUTDOWN
There are three (3) emergency shutdown switches for the system: - In the compressor room; (see appendix B)- Inside the emergency control box in the interior corridor, to the right of the compressor room door; (see Appendix C)- The Central Heating Plant
There are also four (4) yellow ammonia isolation valves located in the compressor room. See Appendix B for a photo of these valves. A wrench for closing the valves is kept chained in reach of the valves.
If the alarm sounds, any individual wearing proper PPE and trained to do so may shut down the system.
NRC NOTIFICATION
The CERCLA (Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act) designated ammonia as a hazardous substance. The Reportable Quantity (RQ) is 100 lb. (45.4 kg). The Facility Manager, Director of Facilities Operations or Chemical Hygiene Officer is required to notify the National Response Center (NRC) immediately when there is a release in an amount equal to or greater than the RQ. Toll free (800) 424-8802.
REGULAR INSPECTIONS AND MAINTENANCE ACTIVITIES
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From August 20th to March 20th the ice rink is open. The Facility Manager conducts daily visual inspections of the ammonia compressor room, and completes a daily record report kept in this room. After March 20th when the rink is closed, a technician from Siemans closes the valves. Gas pressure in the compressors is continuously monitored in the heating plant year-round.
The ammonia sensor must be tested per Honeywell’s recommendations with certified calibration gas every six months or after major exposure to a leak. See instructions and PM schedule in Appendix E.Conduct a response test once between calibrations, i.e. at three month intervals. Expose sensor to ammonia/water solution to verify proper sensor response and alarm functions.
Employee Training and Exercises. Any employee who may be involved in the maintenance of, or an emergency response associated with, the refrigeration system must be trained and qualified for their responsibilities. These employees include Grounds, Security, Skilled Trades, or other Facilities Management personnel, and supervisors of those employees. New employees whose job requires them to work in the arena shall be trained by their supervisor within one week of their arrival.
Trained employees shall undergo a brief annual refresher conducted and documented by the EHS Manager to review the response plan and assess any changes noted in the course of the year. If there are significant changes in the system, alarms or emergency response procedures, updated training for all involved personnel will be conducted at the time of the changes. In addition, certificates of training for Siemens contract employees, and an updated copy of their contractual service agreement, are kept on file by Facilities Management.
NATURE AND HAZARDS OF AMMONIAAmmonia (NH3) is a colorless gas, with a penetrating, pungent, and suffocating odor. It easily dissolves in water to form a caustic solution called ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH), sometimes referred to as aqueous ammonia. Ammonia has a vapor density less than air and will rise when released, but it will readily react with moisture in the air, become heavier and sink to the ground
The table below describes some chemical characteristics of ammonia and ammonium hydroxide.
PHYSICAL CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
AMMONIA AQUEOUS AMMONIA
Odor Threshold 1-15 ppm 2-50 ppmpH 11.6 14
Vapour density 0.5967 of air density (air=1) n/aColour and odor colorless pungent odor very pungent, choking
Physical state gas liquid*TWA-TLV: 25 ppm 25 ppm
*STEL: 35 ppm 35 ppm*IDLH: 300 ppm 300 ppm
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*UEL: 25% in air n/a*LEL: 16% in air n/a
See acronymns, final page
RISKS Inhalation of corrosive ammonia gas can cause irritation and inflammation of the respiratory system, difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting and chest pain. Irritation or burns may occur after direct skin contact with anhydrous ammonia, solutions or concentrated ammonia gas. Direct contact with ammonia with eyes may cause irritation, tearing, severe injury or blindness.
FIRST AID MEASURES
WHAT TO DO: IN CASE OF FIRST ACTION SECOND ACTION
Ammonia (ammonium hydroxide) on skin or in eyes
Immediately flush skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes. Occasionally lift upper and lower lids of eyes.
Bring victim to a physician.
Strong Ammonia fumes inhaled
Get victim into fresh air. Bring victim to a physician.
Refer to the Safety Data Sheet for anhydrous ammonia in Appendix E for further details.
An emergency shower and eye wash station is located in the Zamboni Room.
Any person from the University who requires medical assistance during the emergency must follow up with the Risk Manager (Theresa Simoni, 229-5913) for further assessment and ensure proper documentation of the event. The Incident Response Report must be filled out by the employee’s supervisor (http://www.stlawu.edu/sites/default/files/resource/incident_report.pdf). ACRONYMNSTLV-TWA (Threshold Limit Value-Time Weighted Average): the concentration for a normal 8 hour workday and a 40 hour work week, to which nearly all workers may be repeatedly exposed, day after day, without adverse effect. STEL (Short Term Exposure Limit): the maximum concentration to which someone can safely be exposed for a period of up to 15 minutes - with a maximum of four periods per day. IDLH (Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health): concentrations which upon exposure are likely to result in death or immediate or delayed permanent adverse health effects. UEL (Upper Explosion Limit): the highest concentration of a vapor or gas which will explode, ignite or burn in the presence of an ignition source. Mixtures above this limit are too rich to burn. LEL (Lower Explosion Limit): the lowest concentration of a vapor or gas which will explode, ignite or burn in the presence of an ignition source. Mixtures below this limit are too rich to burn.
MAINTENANCE OF THE AMMONIA CONTINGENCY PLANA review of the Ammonia Contingency Plan will be conducted annually to ensure contents are current. A written copy of the Ammonia Contingency Plan is in the Department of Security and Safety (76 Park St). It is electronically located on St. Lawrence University’s Environmental Health and Safety web page (http://www.stlawu.edu/environmental-health-and-safety/environmental-health-and-safety-policies)
Appendiz B - Compressor shutoff (or is it ammonia isolation?) valves marked yellow.
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Appendix C –interior control panel with shutoff switches. To shut off, flip switches (UP? DOWN?)
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Appendix D – Evacuation Map of Campus and Canton
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Appendix D cont.
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Appendix E – Anhydrous Ammonia Safety Data Sheet
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Appendix F: Maintenance of ammonia sensors and alarm system
Preventative Maintenance will be performed as follows:
Honeywell ammonia sensor tested and calibrated with certified calibration gas, per manufacture’s recommendations, every 6 months by outside contractor NCC. Documentation will be provided to Facility Manager and EHS and maintained for no less than 3 years.
Honeywell ammonia sensor response test once between each calibration (3 months after each calibration) performed by facility manager. Documentation in form of a checklist to be kept on site for a minimum of three years.
Alarm system to be tested in accordance with New York State Fire Code by outside contractor NCC. Documentation provided to EHS and maintained for a minimum of three years.
Ventilation fan to be tested in accordance with New York State Fire Code by outside contractor NCC. Documentation provided to EHS and maintained for a minimum of three years.
Gas pressure sensor operation will be verified by the heating plant every 3 months (I don’t know how often this should be done or how you can test it. Rick, any suggestions?)
Maintenance For proper operation of the Honeywell ammonia meter it is essential that the test and calibration schedule be followed. Honeywell Analytics recommends the following maintenance schedule: • Calibration should be performed with certified calibration gas every six months or after major
exposure to a leak. Calibration kits are available from Honeywell Analytics. • Response test once between calibrations, i.e. at three month intervals. Expose sensor to
ammonia/water solution to verify proper sensor response and alarm functions. Test more frequently in highly critical applications. The response test is not required if multiple electro-chemical sensors are installed in the same room.
All tests and calibrations must be logged. Sensor Life: These electrochemical cells are extremely reliable, but several things can cause the cell chemicals to become depleted including: • a period of time, • exposure to high temperatures, • exposure to varying concentrations of the target gas, • exposure to high moisture for extended periods without proper sensor enclosure. CAUTION Although SensorCheckTM tests the sensor’s electrical viability every 24 hours, it is absolutely essential that these units be exercised with a gas sample on a regular and timely basis.
Typical sensor life in a refrigerated area will be three to four years. Typical life in a non-refrigerated area will be one and a half to two years. Exposure to high levels of ammonia will shorten these times. In addition to timely response checks, a preventative maintenance program of periodic cell replacement should be implemented.
When the cell becomes depleted, a replacement cell can be obtained from Honeywell Analytics. Simply unplug the ribbon cable from the pins labeled Sensor, pull the old cell from the spring clip, discard the old cell and replace it with a new one.
The Macurco low-level ammonia detector procured through NCC requires replacement of the sensor every 2 years. Calibration is not required, as the unit uses on-board diagnostics. For instructions see:http://www.aerionics.info/files/Macurco_TX-6-AM_Manual_4-8-20132.pdf
