Nh3
Ammonia
A colourless and pungent gas, ammonia (NH3) is a compound of nitrogen and hydrogen and can be found in a variety of common industrial environments.
Ammonia is characterised as a flammable gas, although it’s difficult to ignite.
Ammonia is a naturally occurring substance found in air, soil, and water, and it is the only common alkali gas. As an irritant, ammonia becomes increasingly bothersome with higher concentrations, and is considered highly toxic. To ensure worker safety, use an ammonia detector to monitor exposure levels.
Colourless with a pungent odour
Flammable but difficult to ignite
Extremely toxic
Naturally occurring
Short atmospheric lifespan
More about AMMONIA
Hazard | Toxic, corrosive, and a strong irritant to the respiratory system, eyes, and skin. Difficult to burn (LEL 15%). |
Classification | Extremely toxic |
Exposure limits |
(OSHA) PEL\TWA: 50 ppm. |
Industries present | Fertiliser production, refrigeration, chemical manufacturing, agriculture |
Health effects | Respiratory irritation, eye and skin burns, coughing, potential for chronic lung damage |
Environmental impact | Can cause eutrophication in water bodies, harmful to aquatic life |
Duration in air | Can persist in the atmosphere for hours to days, depending on environmental conditions |
Ammonia is classified as an extremely hazardous substance and, unless well maintained, catastrophic ammonia leaks can occur from refrigeration systems which could easily result in injury and even death.
Due to its corrosive nature, serious incidents can occur when pipes are ruptured or there are leaks from shaft seals, pipe flanges or valves during maintenance. Ammonia poses both a toxic and a flammable risk and is caustic in its concentrated form.
The risks attached to gas escape will depend on the site and the size of leak, whether the leak occurs indoors or outdoors, the nature and quality of ventilation and the moisture levels in the atmosphere, which all impact the levels of toxicity or explosion risk.
If exposed to ammonia, immediately move to fresh air and rinse any affected skin or eyes with plenty of water, using saline if possible for the eyes. Remove any contaminated clothing to prevent further exposure. Seek medical attention if you experience persistent symptoms such as coughing or difficulty breathing. If safe, ventilate the area to disperse the gas. Avoid using any unapproved remedies and follow professional medical advice for treatment.
How to detect AMMONIA
Need some expert advice?
The team here at Crowcon are industry leaders in gas detection, and between us have decades of experience working with and around gases like ammonia. If you want advice on gas detection and safety, a member of our team is always on hand to walk you through the best resources and advice to keep you, your site, and your personnel safe.
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