An ammonia leak evacuation drill was conducted at a seafood processing unit in Thoothukudi on Tuesday, to strengthen emergency preparedness in seafood processing industries.

The mock drill was organised at Amulya Sea Foods industry, based on the decision taken during the review meeting of Major Accident Hazardous (MAH) Factories, held at NTPL Thoothukudi on June 9, to enhance safety measures for the ammonia leak scenarios at seafood processing units.

During the drill, two emergency situations were demonstrated. In the first scenario, an ammonia leak inside the seafood processing room was simulated by activating ammonia detectors, which automatically triggered the alarm and sprinkler system. In this workers were evacuated safely and systematically to designated assembly points.

The second situation, typically involving an ammonia leak from a compressor room, was also simulated. The leak was successfully arrested using a clamp by trained responders wearing protective suits and Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA). The Fire and Rescue Service team simultaneously sprayed water to suppress and dissolve ammonia vapours.

The technical drill was conducted by Ravichandran, safety head, SPIC along with Safety Manager Senthil Kumar. District Fire Officer Karunakaran and other personnel of the Fire and Rescue Service team participated in the sessions and provided technical assistance.

The mock drill session showcased critical emergency measures including ammonia leak detection, alarm activation, use of PPE and SCBA, leak arresting methods, water curtain operation, rescue and evacuation procedures and first aid for ammonia inhalation.

A total of 102 representatives from 27 seafood processing factories participated in the safety exercise.

Officials from the Department of Industrial Safety and Health were also present.