Ammonia gas is a compound that is composed of nitrogen and hydrogen, using the formula chemically NH3. It is a non-colorless gas that can be identified by its the smell, as it is characterized by an odor that is strong. Ammonia gas is used for fertilizers and refrigerants however you're likely to detect it before it is harmful to your health. The danger that ammonia gas has is determined by the amount as well as the length of 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 compost piles are located on mushroom farms produce ammonia gas. Manure pits as well the enclosed and indoor areas where animals from farms are kept could be the source of ammonia gas.
Refrigeration System Ice skating rinks as well as factories for ice use liquid ammonia. If it spills out, it turns into an gas.
Fertilizers and Cleaners Liquid Ammonia is typically mixed together with a variety of other chemicals.
A few manufacturing methods use ammonia
It is possible to get exposed to ammonia by using products for cleaning that have ammonia
Other occupational exposure sources are reflective mirrors' silvering the making of glue, tanning leather and around nitriding furnaces.
Ammonia is produced as an end-product of coal distillation, as well as through steam's action on calcium cyanamide and by the breakdown of nitrogenous substances
Ammonia is naturally found inside soybean (8,600 ppm) and in the seeds of night primrose (2,300-2,455 ppm) and lambsquarter and tobacco leaves (Duke 1992).
The leaks of ammonia are growing because of the increased use of natural refrigerants in preference to fluorinated gas alternatives.
(Process Equipment & Control News)
High Risk Scenarios
Ammonia levels are usually higher in warm than colder ones.
In a closed area, 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 greatest during the period of limited space access
Technically speaking, when an employee does not fall off the surface of an opening, 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 odor of ammonia will be enough to notify