Ammonia gas is a compound that is composed of hydrogen and nitrogen using the formula chemically NH3. It is a non-colorless gas that is identified by smell as it has a strong smell. Ammonia gas is commonly used in the manufacturing of fertilizers and refrigerants however you'll be able to recognize it prior to it becoming harmful to health. The danger that ammonia gas has is determined by the amount and the amount of time exposure that you've had to endure. Read more here: https://www.blacklinesafety.com/solutions/gas-sensors/nh3
Gas Characteristics
Colorless
State of the gas
Compressed
Toxic
Flammable
Corrosive
Lighter than air
Water soluble
Explosive (at high concentrations and in tight space)
Pungent, suffocating odor
Can decompose at high temperatures forming very flammable hydrogen gas
OTHER NAMES: Anhydrous ammonia, ammonia, azane, hydrogen nitride
Industrial NH3 hazards
farms compost piles are situated on mushroom farms produce ammonia gas. Manure pits, as the enclosed and indoor spaces in which animals are kept from farms could be a source for ammonia gases.
Refrigeration System Ice skating rinks, and manufacturing facilities for ice use liquid ammonia. In the event it spills, it turns into an gas.
Fertilizers and Cleaners Liquid Ammonia is usually mixed with other chemicals.
Some manufacturing procedures also use ammonia
It is possible to be exposed to ammonia through products for cleaning that have ammonia
Other sources of occupational exposure include reflection mirrors' silvering production of tanning leather, glue and around nitriding furnaces.
Ammonia is created as an end-product of coal distillation as well as by the action of steam on calcium cyanamide and by the decomposition of nitrogenous compounds
Ammonia naturally is found naturally inside soybean (8,600 ppm) and the seeds of evening primrose (2,300-2,455 ppm) as well as lambsquarter, as well as tobacco leaves (Duke 1992).
Ammonia leaks are increasing because of the increased use of natural refrigerants over fluorinated gas alternatives.
(Process Equipment & Control News)
High Risk Scenarios
Ammonia levels are typically more high in warmer than colder ones.
In a closed-space, ammonia can explode if the ignition source is present
If there are no accidental release of ammonia, the risk for exposure to extremely high levels of ammonia is highest during limited space access
Technically speaking, when an employee does not fall off the surface of an opening, but they are actually entering an enclosed space. when ammonia is present workers must be aware that enclosed areas can pose dangers for their health.
In the event of a leak , or CSE process, it is a mistake to think that the ammonia smell is a sufficient warning to warn