Some interesting data on Anhydrous Ammonia releases in NY state from 1993-1998.
- Of 2,415 reported releases of hazardous substances, 107 (4.4%) involved ammonia.
- Of the 814 people injured during releases of hazardous substances, 61 (7.5%) were injured following ammonia events.
- Equipment failure caused 58% of the ammonia releases and injured 38 people.
- Most ammonia releases involved piping (44%).
- 44% of injured people were employees, 41% were members of the general public, and 15% were responders.
- 7 of the 9 injured responders sustained chemical burns.
- 39% of the ammonia releases required an hazmat response.
- More than 1,889 people were evacuated following 107 ammonia releases.
- Most ammonia releases occurred in food/beverage processing (29%) or chemical/metal/equipment manufacturing (27%).
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I am not sure why they only provide data from ’93-’98, but none the less it is quite interesting. I would love to see this type of analysis on the top 10 PSM/RMP chemicals for the most recent 10 years (2000-2010), as compared to the 10 year period before (1990-1999). This would be an interesting data point to determine of PSM/RMP is working to reduce chemical incidents.