On January 7, 2023, at approximately 4:55 p.m., about one (1) pound of anhydrous ammonia was released at the facility. Exposure to the toxic ammonia gas seriously injured one refrigeration technician. At the time of the incident, the employee was working on an ammonia compressor that was “out-of-service”. The ammonia compressor is used in the refrigeration system. The compressor had been previously isolated from the system, and the ammonia was understood to have been removed entirely.
When removing the bolts on the flange connecting the outlet piping to the compressor, a burst of ammonia vapor was released directly into the employee’s chest and face. The employee was not wearing respiratory protection because the ammonia compressor was understood to be empty.