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 since it has an intense smell. Ammonia gas is typically utilized in the manufacturing of fertilizers and refrigerants however you'll be able to recognize it before it is harmful to health. The danger that ammonia gas poses is largely dependent on the amount present as well as the length 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 large 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 located on mushroom farms release ammonia gas. Manure pits as well being any enclosed or indoor areas where animals from farms are kept may be sources of ammonia gas.
Refrigeration System: Ice skating rinks and manufacturing facilities for ice use liquid ammonia. In the event it spills out the liquid, it is transformed into gas.
Fertilizers and Cleaners Liquid Ammonia is often mixed with a variety of other chemicals.
Certain manufacturing processes also utilize ammonia
You can be exposed to ammonia through products for cleaning that contain ammonia
Other sources of occupational exposure include the silvering of reflective mirrors, the creation of glue, tanning leather , and around nitriding furnaces.
Ammonia is produced as an end-product of coal distillation and by the action of steam on calcium cyanamide, and through the decomposition of nitrogenous substances
Ammonia naturally is found naturally in soybean (8,600 ppm) and the seeds from evening primrose (2,300-2,455 ppm) and lambsquarter and tobacco leaves (Duke 1992).
Ammonia leaks are rising due to the growing use of natural refrigerants instead of the alternatives of fluorinated gas.
(Process Equipment & Control News)
High Risk Scenarios
Ammonia levels are usually higher in warm than colder ones.
In a closed space ammonia may explode if an ignition source is present
In the absence of accidental releases of ammonia the chance of exposure to extremely high levels ammonia is the highest in restricted space entry
Technically speaking, when an employee falls off the surface of an opening, but they is actually entering the enclosed area. When ammonia is present, employees should be aware that confined areas can pose dangers for their health.
In the instance of a leak or CSE process, it is a mistake to think that the odor of ammonia is a sufficient warning to alert