Forklift Strikes Ammonia Refrigeration Line Causing Uncontrolled Leak

Location: Langley, BC
Regulated industry sector: Boilers, PV & Refrigeration – Refrigeration system

Incident Overview

In a food processing facility, an employee was moving a pallet from an upper storage rack using a forklift when the forks were lifted too high and contacted the roofing panel located near an ammonia line. The roofing panel pushed up, bending the liquid ammonia refrigeration line. A two-bolt flange connection was strained, causing an uncontrolled leak past the sealing gaskets of the flange. The building was evacuated and the leak released over 1,000 lbs. of ammonia into the building and atmosphere.