Ammonia gas is a compound that is composed of nitrogen and hydrogen, with the chemical formula NH3. It is a colourless gas that can be identified by its smell as it has an odor that is strong. Ammonia gas is used for fertilizers and refrigerants, however , you'll likely be able to spot it prior to it becoming harmful to health. The danger that ammonia gas has is determined by the amount 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 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 found on farms that produce mushrooms produce ammonia gas. Manure pits, as well being any enclosed or indoor areas where animals are kept from farms could be the source of ammonia gas.
Refrigeration System Ice skating rinks and manufacturing facilities for ice make use of liquid ammonia. If it spills out, it turns into an gas.
Fertilizers and Cleaners Liquid Ammonia is often mixed with various other chemical.
Some manufacturing procedures also make use of ammonia
There is a possibility to get exposed to ammonia by using products for cleaning that contain ammonia
nh3 pkaOther sources of occupational exposure are reflective mirrors' silvering creation of glue, tanning leather and around nitriding furnaces
Ammonia is produced as an end-product of coal distillation, as well as by the steam action on calcium cyanamide as well as through the decomposition of nitrogenous compounds
Ammonia naturally occurs inside soybean (8,600 ppm) and the seeds of evening primrose (2,300-2,455 ppm) and lambsquarter and tobacco leaves (Duke 1992).
Ammonia leaks are increasing due to the increasing usage of natural refrigerants over fluorinated gas alternatives.
(Process Equipment & Control News)
High Risk Scenarios
Ammonia levels are typically more high in warmer than colder ones.
In a closed space ammonia may explode if an ignition source is in place
If there are no accidental release of ammonia the danger of being exposed to very high levels of ammonia is highest during restricted space entry
Technically speaking an employee does not fall off the surface of an opening, they enter an enclosed space. when ammonia is present workers must be aware of the fact that confined spaces can be dangers to their health.
In the event of a leak , or CSE procedure , it is not true that the ammonia odor will provide a sufficient signal to alert