Ammonia gas is a compound that is made up of nitrogen and hydrogen, using the formula chemically NH3. It is a colourless gas that is identified by the smell, as it is characterized by a strong smell. Ammonia gas is commonly used for refrigerants and fertilizers however , you'll likely be able to spot it before it is harmful to health. The risk ammonia gas poses is largely dependent on the amount of gas present and the amount of time exposure that 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 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 found on farms that produce mushrooms release ammonia gas. 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 use liquid ammonia. If it spills it transforms into a gas.
Fertilizers and Cleaners Liquid ammonia is usually mixed with various other chemical.
Some manufacturing procedures also utilize ammonia
It is possible to get exposed to ammonia by using products for cleaning which contain ammonia
Other sources of occupational exposure include reflective mirrors' silvering production 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) and in the seeds from evening primrose (2,300-2,455 ppm) and lambsquarter as well as tobacco leaves (Duke 1992).
Ammonia leaks are increasing due to the growing use of natural refrigerants in preference to alternative fluorinated gases.
(Process Equipment & Control News)
High Risk Scenarios
Ammonia levels are typically higher in colder than warmer ones.
In a closed-space, ammonia may explode if an ignition source is there
If there are no accidental release of ammonia the danger of being exposed to very high levels of ammonia is greatest during the period of 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 workers must be aware that enclosed spaces could pose a risk to their health.
In the instance of a leak or CSE procedure , it would be wrong to believe that the ammonia odor will provide a sufficient signal to warn