NFPA Releases Fact Sheet On Ammonium Nitrate Dangers

Available in English and Spanish, this resource for code officials, business owners, and facility management was developed following the August 2020 explosion in Beirut, Lebanon.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has released a new fact sheet to help clear up misconceptions about ammonium nitrate dangers. Available in English and Spanish, this resource for code officials, business owners, and facility management was developed following the catastrophic explosion in Beirut, Lebanon that reportedly killed 190 people, injured 6,500 more, left an estimated 300,000 residents homeless, and resulted in $10–15 billion(US) in property damage.

ammonium nitrate
3D rendering of ammonium nitrate explosion in Beirut, Lebanon in August 2020. (Image: Getty Images/Naeblys)
An October 22 blog post from NFPA explains:

Ammonium nitrate is a chemical compound produced in both solid and liquid form that is commonly used in fertilizers. Pure ammonium nitrate is stable, and when stored properly, it poses few safety hazards. Destabilization, however, can occur when flames or fire heats the ammonium nitrate causing it to become self-reactive and give off gases that are flammable and can ignite.

The fact sheet offers information for facility management, including:

How to Increase Facility Protection
If there are dangerous or highly dangerous conditions in a facility, some initial steps to take immediately include:

  • Make sure ammonium nitrate is not confined or contaminated
  • Remove ammonium nitrate storage from basements or combustible bins
  • Make sure local emergency responders are aware of what is stored in the facility
  • Have an emergency response plan prepared
  • Have constant fire monitoring

Read the rest of the NFPA blog post here, and access the two-page fact sheet (PDF) here.

Read more stories related to Fire Safety and Facility Management.

FacilityBlog, Featured

ammonium nitrate, Explosion, Life Safety, National Fire Protection Association, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), NFPA 80

Sponsored Content
Featured Video

Webinars, Podcasts & Videos

Under the care of ABM, systems perform, businesses prosper, and occupants thrive.

Where Others See a Facility, We See Possibility

Under the care of ABM, systems perform, businesses prosper, and occupants thrive.

crime scene

Listen Now: What To Do When Your Facility Becomes A Crime Scene

A business continuity analyst discusses steps FM teams need to consider after a crime has been committed in their buildings.

Facilities Teams, ARC Facilities Webinar

Did You Miss Our “Solving The Hidden Assets Challenge” Webinar?

Hidden assets can be a challenge for facilities teams. View this free video webinar on demand and learn how your team can retain knowledge and streamline operations.

Receive the latest articles in your inbox

Share to...