212 Journal of Agrictdturt, Victoria. [10 April, 191 6. 



AMMONIA ACCIDENTS AND EMERGENCY RELIEF. 



Accidents sometimes occur in the boiler room or engine room of a 

 refrigerating plant. As the result of such accident, an ammonia pipe 

 may be ruptured, and the vapour spreading, may cause painful injury 

 to the person in the immediate vicinity. 



To relieve the suffering and aid the recovery of the victims of an 

 ammonia accident, the following suggestions are given : — 



For the Eijts. — First: Pour a 1 per cent, solution of pure boric acid 

 into the eyes, instructing patient to open and close the lids rapidly to 

 bring the solution into contact with the entire inner surface. Use 

 solution freely. 



Second : After thoroughly washing the eyes, place a small quantity 

 of clean vaselijie under the lids by pulling down lower lid and applying 

 the vaseline with a match-shaped piece of wood having smooth rounded 

 ends. 



For the Skin. — Apply lint or linen or wasted muslin, dripping wet 

 with carron oil, changing dressing frequently. By keeping lime-water 

 and linseed oil separately a fresh solution may be prepared each time 

 by mixing thoroughly equal parts of the two ingredients. 



For Nose and Throat, if inhaled. — Dip a handkerchief folded once 

 into vinegar, wring out lightly, and place loosely over nose and mouth. 

 If liquid ammonia has entered the nose, snuff up some diluted vinegar, 

 and apply sweet oil with feather to the inner surface and nostrils. 



If Ammonia has heen Swalloweil . — Administer diluted vinegar or 

 have patient suck orange or lemon juice in liberal quantities, and follow 

 with one to four teaspoonfuls of sweet oil, milk, or the whites of three 

 eggs and ice. If any vomiting, aid it by giving liberal draughts of luke- 

 warm water. 



General Information. — Ammonia vapour is lighter than air, and 

 on being" released it rises. Therefore, in the case of an accident, keep 

 your head as low as possible. 



On going to the rescue of one overcome with ammonia vapour, keep 

 near the floor, and place a wet sponge or cloth over thp mouth. 



Keep the following supplies on hand: — 



A 1 per cent solution of boric acid. 

 A bottle of clean plain vaseline. 

 A package of surgeon's lint or muslin. 

 A package of plain gauze. 

 A bottle of best quality vinegar. 

 A bottle of sweet oil. 

 Linseed oil and lime water, to make carron oil. 



— Extract from Refrigeratinfi World 



