Ammonia gas is a compound made up of hydrogen and nitrogen, using the formula chemically NH3. It is a non-colorless gas that is identified by the smell, as it is characterized by an odor that is strong. Ammonia gas is commonly used in the manufacturing of fertilizers and refrigerants, however , you're likely to detect it before it is harmful to health. The risk that ammonia gas poses is dependent on the amount of gas present and the duration of exposure 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 spaces)
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 found on farms that produce mushrooms produce ammonia gas. Manure pits, as well as any enclosed or indoor space where animals from farms are kept may be sources Ammonia gas.
Refrigeration System Ice skating rinks as well as factories for ice make use of liquid ammonia. In the event it spills the liquid, it is transformed into gas.
Fertilizers and Cleaners Liquid Ammonia is typically mixed together with various other chemical.
Some manufacturing procedures also use ammonia
You can be exposed to ammonia using products for cleaning that contain ammonia
Other sources of occupational exposure include the silvering of reflective mirrors, the making of glue, tanning leather , and around nitriding furnaces
Ammonia is produced as an end-product of coal distillation as well as through steam's action on calcium cyanamide as well as through the decomposition of nitrogenous compounds
Ammonia naturally occurs in soybean (8,600 ppm) and in the seeds from the evening primrose (2,300-2,455 ppm) and lambsquarter, as well as tobacco leaves (Duke 1992).
Ammonia leaks are increasing due to the growing use of natural refrigerants in preference to alternative fluorinated gases.
(Process Equipment & Control News)
High Risk Scenarios
Ammonia levels are usually higher in warm than colder ones.
In a closed area, ammonia may explode if an ignition source is there
Without the risk of accidental discharges of ammonia the danger of being exposed to very high levels of ammonia is highest during the time when space is restricted for entry
Technically speaking, when a person does not fall off the surface of an opening, they are actually entering the enclosed area. If ammonia is present, workers must be aware that enclosed areas can pose dangers for their health.
In the instance of a leak or CSE process, it would be wrong to believe that the ammonia smell is a sufficient warning to warn