Ammonia gas is a compound made up of nitrogen and hydrogen, with the chemical formula NH3. It is a colorless gas that can be identified by its smell as it has a strong smell. Ammonia gas is typically utilized in the manufacturing of fertilizers and refrigerants however you'll likely be able to spot it before it is harmful to health. The risk ammonia gas has is dependent on the amount of gas present 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 massive concentrations or 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 release ammonia gas. Manure pits as well being any enclosed or indoor spaces in which animals from farms are kept could be a source Ammonia gas.
Refrigeration System Ice skating rinks and manufacturing facilities for ice use liquid ammonia. If it leaks out it transforms into a gas.
Liquid ammonia is a fertilizer and cleaner that is typically mixed together with a variety of other chemicals.
Some manufacturing procedures also make use of ammonia
You can be exposed to ammonia using products for cleaning which contain ammonia
Other occupational exposure sources are reflection mirrors' silvering making of tanning leather, glue and around nitriding furnaces
Ammonia is produced as a byproduct of coal distillation, as well as by steam's action on calcium cyanamide and by the decomposition of nitrogenous compounds
Ammonia is naturally found in soybean (8,600 ppm) and in the seeds of night primrose (2,300-2,455 ppm) and lambsquarter, as well as leaf tobacco (Duke 1992).
Ammonia leaks are rising because of the increased use of natural refrigerants instead of alternative fluorinated gases.
(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 in place
If there are no accidental release of ammonia the danger of being exposed to extremely 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 into an area that is enclosed. If ammonia is present, workers must be aware of the fact that confined spaces can be dangers for their health.
In the case of a leak , or CSE procedure , it would be wrong to believe that the ammonia odor is a sufficient warning to alert