Ammonia gas is a chemical that is made up of hydrogen and nitrogen, with the chemical formula NH3. It is a colorless gas that is identified by smell since it has an odor that is strong. Ammonia gas is used for fertilizers and refrigerants however you'll be able to recognize it before it causes harm for your wellbeing. The risk that ammonia gas poses is dependent on the amount of gas present and the duration 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 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 release ammonia gas. Manure pits, as being any enclosed or indoor areas where animals are kept from farms could be a source Ammonia gas.
Refrigeration System Ice skating rinks and manufacturing facilities to make ice utilize liquid ammonia. In the event it spills out the liquid, it is transformed into gas.
Liquid ammonia is a fertilizer and cleaner that is often mixed with other chemicals.
Some manufacturing procedures also utilize ammonia
There is a possibility to be exposed to ammonia through products for cleaning which contain ammonia
Other sources of occupational exposure are the silvering of reflective mirrors, the making of glue, tanning leather and around nitriding furnaces.
Ammonia is created as a byproduct of coal distillation, as well as by the steam action on calcium cyanamide and by the decomposition of nitrogenous compounds
Ammonia is naturally found in soybean (8,600 ppm) and the seeds of evening primrose (2,300-2,455 ppm) and lambsquarter, as well as leaf tobacco (Duke 1992).
The leaks of ammonia are growing due to the increasing usage of natural refrigerants over fluorinated gas alternatives.
(Process Equipment & Control News)
High Risk Scenarios
Ammonia levels are usually more high in warmer than colder ones.
In a closed area, ammonia may explode if an ignition source is in place
If there are no accidental release of ammonia the risk for exposure to extremely high levels of ammonia is greatest during the period of the time when space is restricted for entry
Technically speaking an employee does not fall off the surface of an opening. They are actually entering 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 ammonia smell will be enough to notify