Study on the Regularity of Ammonia-Related Refrigeration Accidents in China from 2010 to 2020

Abstract

The frequent occurrence of ammonia-related refrigeration accidents (ArRAs) restricts the safety and sustainable development of cold storage. As an essential tool for safety management, accident statistical analysis can provide a crucial decision-making basis for accident prevention and control. The present study combined descriptive statistics and comparative analysis methods to explore the characteristics and regularities of 82 ArRAs in China from 2010 to 2020. The results showed that the annual evolution of ArRAs presents a bimodal “M” mode in which 2013 and 2016 were the peaking years of accidents. The monthly distribution has an agglomeration effect, and the period from June to September had a high incidence period of accidents. The ArRAs mainly occurred in East China and Central China in the spatial dimension. Zhejiang, Shandong, Hubei, and Sichuan are the pivotal provinces for preventing and controlling ArRAs. Human factors and equipment failure are the leading causes of ArRAs. Accident numbers and casualties have inconsistent trends due to the uncertainty and variability of ArRAs’ consequences. The safety situation of ammonia-related refrigeration enterprises has improved but still needs to strive to prevent and control major accidents. This study draws valuable references for safety decision-making by ammonia-related refrigeration enterprises and safety regulators.

Safety Assessment of the Ammonia Bunkering Process in the Maritime Sector: A Review

“…It is important to understand and comply with all domestic and international regulations regarding ammonia safety and apply them to the bunkering process while considering all possible scenarios that may arise. To contribute to the development of safety regulations and guidelines, Luo et al [58] searched for ammonia leak accidents in China in the period from 2010 to 2020 and analyzed their causes. The results show that human factors and failure of equipment were the two main causes of accidents.…”

Risk Assessment of Ammonia Bunkering Operations: Perspectives on Different Release Scales

“…Notably, past incidents in the United States have reported 16 fatalities over the last two decades, mainly attributed to the rupture of ammonia nurse tanks [13]. Similarly, China witnessed 82 ammonia refrigeration-related accidents between 2010 and 2020, resulting in 189 fatalities and 1081 injuries, all caused by ammonia refrigeration pipeline ruptures [37]. Fishing vessels, where ammonia is used for refrigeration, are the primary locations for ammonia release and dispersion accidents over water [46].…”