Ammonia gas is a compound made up 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 commonly used in the manufacturing of fertilizers and refrigerants, however , you'll likely be able to spot it before it causes harm for your wellbeing. The risk ammonia gas has is dependent on the amount present as well as the length of 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 large 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: The compost piles that are situated on mushroom farms emit ammonia gases. Manure pits as well as any enclosed or indoor spaces in which animals are kept from farms may be sources of ammonia gas.
Refrigeration System Ice skating rinks as well as factories for ice make use of liquid ammonia. In the event that it leaks out it transforms into a gas.
Fertilizers and Cleaners Liquid ammonia is usually mixed with other chemicals.
A few manufacturing methods use ammonia
You can be exposed to ammonia by using products for cleaning that contain ammonia
nh3 ionic or molecularOther sources of occupational exposure are the silvering of reflective mirrors, creation of glue, tanning leather , and around nitriding furnaces.
Ammonia is produced as a byproduct of coal distillation, as well as through the steam action on calcium cyanamide, and through the decomposition of nitrogenous compounds
Ammonia naturally is found naturally within soybean (8,600 ppm) and the seeds from the evening primrose (2,300-2,455 ppm) and lambsquarter, as well as the leaves of tobacco (Duke 1992).
The leaks of ammonia are growing because of the increased use of natural refrigerants instead of fluorinated gas alternatives.
(Process Equipment & Control News)
High Risk Scenarios
Ammonia levels are usually more high in warmer than colder ones.
In a closed space ammonia could explode when the ignition source is present
If there are no accidental release of ammonia, the risk for exposure to extremely high levels of ammonia is highest during restricted space entry
Technically speaking, when a person is thrown off the edge of an opening. They are actually entering into an area that is enclosed. when ammonia is present workers must be aware of the fact that confined areas can pose dangers for their health.
In the case of a leak , or CSE process, it is not true that the ammonia odor is a sufficient warning to notify