Ammonia gas is an element made up of hydrogen and nitrogen with the chemical formula NH3. It is a colorless gas that can be identified by its smell as it has an intense smell. Ammonia gas is commonly used in the production of fertilizers and refrigerants however you'll likely be able to spot it before it causes harm for your wellbeing. The danger that 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 high concentrations and 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: The compost piles that are situated on mushroom farms produce ammonia gas. Manure pits as well the enclosed and indoor areas where animals from farms are kept could be a source for ammonia gases.
Refrigeration System Ice skating rinks and manufacturing facilities for ice use liquid ammonia. If it spills, it turns into an gas.
Fertilizers and Cleaners Liquid ammonia is usually mixed with other chemicals.
A few manufacturing methods make use of ammonia
There is a possibility to get exposed to ammonia through products for cleaning that contain ammonia
nh3 molecular shapeOther sources of occupational exposure are the silvering of reflective mirrors, creation of tanning leather, glue and around nitriding furnaces
Ammonia is produced as an end-product of coal distillation and by the action of steam on calcium cyanamide, and through the decomposition of nitrogenous compounds
Ammonia naturally is found naturally inside soybean (8,600 ppm) as well as the seeds of night primrose (2,300-2,455 ppm) as well as lambsquarter as well as tobacco leaves (Duke 1992).
Ammonia leaks are increasing due to the growing use of natural refrigerants over the alternatives of fluorinated gas.
(Process Equipment & Control News)
High Risk Scenarios
Ammonia levels tend to be higher in warm than colder ones.
In a closed-space, ammonia can explode if the ignition source is there
In the absence of accidental releases of ammonia, the danger of being exposed to extremely high levels of ammonia is the highest in the time when space is restricted for entry
Technically speaking an employee does not fall off the surface of an opening, but they is actually entering the enclosed area. When ammonia is present, employees must be aware of the fact that confined spaces could pose a risk to their health.
In the instance of a leak or CSE process, it would be wrong to believe that the ammonia odor is a sufficient warning to alert