Ammonia gas is an element that is made up of nitrogen and hydrogen, with the chemical formula NH3. It is a colourless gas that can be identified by its smell as it has a strong smell. Ammonia gas is commonly used in the manufacturing of refrigerants and fertilizers however , you're likely to detect it before it causes harm to your health. The danger that ammonia gas poses is dependent on the amount present as well as the length 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 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 release ammonia gas. Manure pits as well being any enclosed or indoor space where animals from farms are kept may be sources for ammonia gases.
Refrigeration System Ice skating rinks and manufacturing facilities for ice use liquid ammonia. In the event it spills the liquid, it is transformed into gas.
Liquid ammonia is a fertilizer and cleaner that is usually mixed with a variety of other chemicals.
Certain manufacturing processes also make use of ammonia
You can be exposed to ammonia by using products for cleaning that contain ammonia
Other sources of occupational exposure are reflective mirrors' silvering the making of glue, tanning leather , and around nitriding furnaces.
Ammonia is created as an end-product of coal distillation, as well as through the action of steam on calcium cyanamide, and through the breakdown of nitrogenous substances
Ammonia is naturally found inside soybean (8,600 ppm) and the seeds from evening primrose (2,300-2,455 ppm) as well as lambsquarter and leaf tobacco (Duke 1992).
Ammonia leaks are rising due to the growing use of natural refrigerants over the alternatives of fluorinated gas.
(Process Equipment & Control News)
High Risk Scenarios
Ammonia levels are typically higher in colder than warmer 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 ammonia is highest during restricted space entry
Technically speaking, when an employee falls off the surface of an opening, but they is actually entering the enclosed area. If ammonia is present, workers should be aware that confined spaces can be 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 alert