Information is starting to trickle out from the fatal NH3 release last year. This response was performed by one of, if not the best, Fire Department in the country so we can stand to learn a thing or two from their efforts. For those who claim LEVEL A suits are an “overkill” for anhydrous ammonia (NH3) please take notice from the professionals. This was a tragic accident that took the live of an experienced refrigeration professional. The BFD had to make multiple entries/attempts to rescue the downed worker and to stop this release…
(sorry but this is for SAFTENG MEMBERS ONLY)
Notified by fire alarm to respond to Fargo and Summer Streets at the request of E-39. Upon arrival Engine 39’s officer and I both agreed that there was a strong odor of ammonia in the area, but we were not at its source. There was a steady wind blowing directly across Summer Street from the direction of the EDIC industrial park. E-39 and L-18 to proceed with me to the North Coast sea food plant to determine if it was the source of the odor. Once at the plant there was no odor and L-18, E-39 and Car 06 proceeded in different directions to locate the ammonia leak. Car 06 proceeded to the Stavis sea food plant at 7 Channel St. and found several workers evacuating the facility and a very strong presence of ammonia. The person in charge stated that ” they just noticed there is an ammonia leak” and he and several other employees were heading out to investigate it. Fire alarm was updated of the new location as were L-18 and E-39 and the incident was upgraded to a level II response.
There were no audible alarms sounding at the plant but there was a red strobe flashing and a loud hissing coming from the rear of the building. I was then informed that a maintenance man was missing and was probably still in the building. I requested a tech rescue response, had E-39 hook up to the nearest hydrant, had two members of L-18 and E-39 don one hour bottles and full bunker gear to attempt a rescue and detailed a member to locate the “king valve” to shut off the leak. The companies were able to get the doors open and proceed into the plant to the top of the stairway. At the top of the stairs the leaking ammonia tank and the missing employee were visible, but the members could not enter the second floor due to the high concentration of ammonia. The rescue was aborted when the ammonia started to penetrate the firefighters bunker gear, burning their skin, and driving them down the stairway. All members exited the building and it was determined that protective chemical suits were needed. No king valve was located outside the building to control the leak. T03-Upon arriving at the incident location I reported to Deputy Chief Michael Ruggere who briefed me on current status of the leak and the missing worker. I assisted with the planning and hazmat entries for rescue/recovery of the missing worker as well as mitigation of the leak. The priority mission of the first 3 man entry team was to locate and remove the worker. During this entry they also were going to survey the area for any valves or tanks that may be part of the ongoing leak. Entry Team 1 was able to locate and move the victim to the top of the stairs as they were running low on air they notified the Entry Team Leader that a second 3 man entry would be necessary to recover the victim and bring him outside to be processed through decon. The victim was placed in the Hazard Assessment Field Isolation System inflatable tent. He was deconned and firefighters were assigned to stand by the tent until the medical examiner’s office arrived. Entry team 3 was comprised of two BFD hazmat techs and a tech from American Refrigeration. It was determined that it would be easier to find and stop the leak with him as a guide because of his familiarization with the plant
layout. Team 3 was able to isolate the leaking tank and then reported to Decon. The leak was found at the bottom of a tank where the pressure reaches 140 PSI. During this incident air monitoring was conducted continually to ensure a safe working environment. We also worked with Boston Police and gave them updates on the release as regards to the shelter in place plan and the temporary evacuation of the affected area. After the first responders made up their gear and the site we had a meeting with the regulatory agencies that were present and formulated a plan to meet the next morning and after monitoring the area in question they would start the investigative process. Boston Fire Special Ops completed their active role at the site by noon time.
Source: National Fire Incident Reporting System (“NFIRS”) report