Operating manual - ChillPAC and LP ChillPAC Mk 3
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010823 en 2021.06
2.3.11
First aid for accidents with ammonia
(Chemical formula: NH
3
, refrigerant no.: R717)
General
Ammonia is not a cumulative poison. It has a distinctive, pungent odour that even at very low, harmless
concentrations is detectable by most people.
As ammonia is self-alarming, it serves as its own warning agent so that no person stays voluntarily in
hazardous concentrations. Since ammonia is lighter than air, adequate ventilation is the best means of
preventing accumulation.
Experience has shown that ammonia is extremely hard to ignite and under normal conditions a very sta-
ble compound. At extremely high, though limited concentrations, ammonia can form ignitable mixtures
with air and oxygen and should be treated with respect.
Basic rules for first aid
Always call a doctor immediately.
Be prepared:
Keep an irrigation bottle available containing a sterile isotonic (0.9%) NaCl-solution (salt
water). A shower or a water tank should be available near all bulk installations with ammonia.
When applying first aid, the persons assisting must be duly protected to avoid further injuries.
First aid measures
Inhalation:
Immediately, move affected personnel into fresh air and loosen clothing restricting
breathing.
Call a doctor/ambulance with oxygen equipment.
Keep the patient still and warmly wrapped in blankets.
Do not in any way attempt to provoke vomiting or to give an unconscious person anything to drink.
Oxygen may be given to the patient, if needed, but
only
when authorised by a doctor. If the patient stops
breathing, apply artificial respiration.
Consumption:
Not relevant.
Eyes:
In case of injuries from liquid splashes or concentrated vapour, immediately rinse with water (pref-
erably using an eye rinser) and consult a doctor. Continue rinsing until otherwise notified by a doctor.
If the affected person wears contact lenses, these must be removed before rinsing.
Skin:
In case of frostbite from liquid splashes or concentrated vapour, immediately wash with large
quantities of water until the pain stops.
Consult a doctor about actual frostbite.
After washing, apply wet compresses, wetted with a sterile isotonic (0.9%) NaCl-solution (salt water), to
affected areas until medical advice is available.
