Ammonia gas is a chemical that is made up of nitrogen and hydrogen, using the formula chemically NH3. It is a colourless gas that is identified by smell as it has a strong smell. Ammonia gas is used in the manufacturing of fertilizers and refrigerants, however , you'll be able to recognize it before it is harmful to your health. The risk that ammonia gas poses is largely dependent on the amount present and the duration of 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 massive concentrations or 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 the enclosed and indoor space where animals from farms are kept could be the source for ammonia gases.
Refrigeration System: Ice skating rinks as well as factories to make ice utilize liquid ammonia. In the event that it leaks out, it turns into an gas.
Liquid ammonia is a fertilizer and cleaner that is typically mixed together with a variety of other chemicals.
A few manufacturing methods use ammonia
It is possible to be exposed to ammonia using products for cleaning which contain ammonia
Other sources of occupational exposure include the silvering of reflective mirrors, making of glue, tanning leather and around nitriding furnaces.
Ammonia is produced as a byproduct of coal distillation and by the action of steam on calcium cyanamide as well as through the decomposition of nitrogenous compounds
Ammonia naturally is found naturally in soybean (8,600 ppm) and the seeds of evening primrose (2,300-2,455 ppm) and lambsquarter, as well as the leaves of tobacco (Duke 1992).
Ammonia leaks are increasing because of the increased use of natural refrigerants over alternative fluorinated gases.
(Process Equipment & Control News)
High Risk Scenarios
Ammonia levels are usually higher in colder than warmer ones.
In a closed space ammonia could explode when the ignition source is there
In the absence of accidental releases of ammonia the risk for exposure to extremely high levels of ammonia is highest during the time when space is restricted for entry
Technically speaking an employee falls off the surface of an opening, they enter into an area that is enclosed. When ammonia is present, employees must be aware of the fact that confined areas can pose dangers to their health.
In the instance of a leak or CSE procedure It would be wrong to believe that the odor of ammonia will be enough to alert