Ammonia gas is a chemical that is composed of nitrogen and hydrogen, using the formula chemically NH3. It is a non-colorless gas that can be identified by its smell as it has a strong smell. Ammonia gas is used in the production of fertilizers and refrigerants however you'll be able to recognize it prior to it becoming harmful for your wellbeing. The risk that ammonia gas has is determined by the amount and the amount of time exposure you've endured. 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 emit ammonia gases. Manure pits, as being any enclosed or indoor space where animals are kept from farms may be sources for ammonia gases.
Refrigeration System Ice skating rinks, as well as manufacturing facilities for ice make use of liquid ammonia. In the event it spills out the liquid, it is transformed into gas.
Fertilizers and Cleaners Liquid Ammonia is usually mixed with a variety of other chemicals.
Some manufacturing procedures also utilize ammonia
It is possible to get exposed to ammonia using products for cleaning that contain ammonia
Other sources of occupational exposure include the silvering of reflective mirrors, the production of tanning leather, glue and around nitriding furnaces
Ammonia is produced as an end-product of coal distillation and through the action of steam on calcium cyanamide, and through the breakdown of nitrogenous substances
Ammonia naturally occurs in soybean (8,600 ppm) and the seeds of night primrose (2,300-2,455 ppm) and lambsquarter, as well as leaf tobacco (Duke 1992).
Ammonia leaks are rising due to the growing use of natural refrigerants instead of alternative fluorinated gases.
(Process Equipment & Control News)
High Risk Scenarios
Ammonia levels are typically higher in warm than colder ones.
In a closed space ammonia may explode if an ignition source is present
If there are no accidental release of ammonia the danger of being exposed to extremely high levels ammonia is the highest in restricted space entry
Technically speaking, when a person is thrown off the edge of an opening, but they are actually entering an enclosed space. When ammonia is present, employees should be aware that confined spaces could pose a risk to their health.
In the instance of a leak or CSE process, it is a mistake to think that the odor of ammonia will be enough to warn