Chemical Plant in the Downtown: Study of Ammonia Release Causative Factor and Its Negative Impact towards Workers and Communities at XYZ Fertilizer Factory

Abstract

Ammonia gas exposure to the environment that mainly caused by certain factors has the potential to bring negative impacts, particularly to workers and the community in terms of health issues. This study aims to analyse the factors that cause ammonia gas release and its negative effects on the workers and the community that lives near the factory. This study will use Hazard Identification Methods i.e Likelihood and severity scale to strengthened that findings in field observation, key informant interviews, and questionnaire. Based on the study, it was found that certain conditions that often caused ammonia gas release are located in ammonia storage tanks, cooling water reservoirs, and pumps and valves with an incidence rate of at least once per day. Meanwhile, certain conditions such as clogging, negligence, maintenance, and start-ups are scarce where the incidence rate is once in a year or even more. The impacts of ammonia occur in humans through inhalation and directly cause irritation, and respiratory problems that differ in each depends on the exposure duration and concentration level.