Ammonia information
Ammonia is a frequently used chemical. In industries, ammonia is used for refining petroleum, disinfecting water, manufacturing pharmaceuticals, and as a refrigerant. Ammonia refrigeration systems are associated with numerous potential risks that endanger owners, factory workers and consumers. Industrial products are simply contaminated by ammonia leaks, and mere exposure can even result in costly losses and replacement of damaged resources. In most industrial facilities, mechanical compression systems usually utilize anhydrous ammonia as a refrigerant.
Under ambient conditions, ammonia is a toxic gas. However, various parts of refrigeration systems usually contain liquefied ammonia under pressure. Under pressure, the risk of ammonia exposures usually increases because large amounts of the refrigerant can get into the air. Ammonia leakages mixed with lubricating oil have been some causes of the major explosion in industries. Other causes of ammonia leakages include plant defects, lifting pressure relief valves, failures of refrigerant piping due to loss of mechanical reliability from corrosion, seal leaks from valve stems and rotating shafts, physical damage of the system components because of collision of equipment, hose failures during delivery of ammonia and hydraulic shock.
Because handling of ammonia presents many health hazards and risks, workers in all industries should be educated on proper usage of personal protective equipment, safe use and correct handling procedures. When swallowed, ammonia can cause severe burns in the mouth, to the throat walls and in the stomach. It is therefore important that hands be washed after handling ammonia products and before eating, drinking and smoking. Food and beverage should also not be stored near ammonia products.
Ammonia is a fatal chemical that corrodes the skin, eyes and the lungs. When it comes in contact with the skin, it causes pain, burns, redness and irritation. It has a unique irritating smell when released in the air; therefore the nose is always the first detector and warning of exposure. Breathing of ammonia causes coughing, wheezing or feeling shortness of breath. This can also help to detect ammonia leakages. Once detected the victims should wear protective equipment and move away from the affected place.
Prevention of ammonia exposures starts with the right knowledge of the exact amounts, properties and concentrations of the ammonia chemicals being used. Ammonia should always be stored in a cool and dry place away from other incompatible chemicals and materials such as acids, metals, chlorine and oxidizers. Ammonia materials and products should also be used in well ventilated areas. Mixing of chlorine with ammonia is highly discouraged because the mixture creates an extremely poisonous and irritating gas called chloramines. Appropriate personal protective equipment should always be put on according to the task and strength of ammonia being handled.
An air supplying respirator should always be put on whenever the workers of any industry or any other person entering highly concentrated areas of ammonia. Escape respirators should also be made available to workers who work in stores of large quantities of ammonia in case of accidental releases. In addition, the workers should be informed of the locations of the respirators as well as be educated on their usage. Inspection and maintenance of ammonia processing and storage equipment to prevent leakages and exposures is also very essential. Gloves should always be worn whenever ammonia cleansing products are used. However, high ammonia concentrations in laboratory and industrial settings require wearing gloves and lab coat or a long sleeved coverall to protect the skin. In case of accidental splashing of ammonia onto the clothes, the affected clothes should be removed and the skin be washed with water for at least fifteen minutes.
Splashing of ammonia into the eye can cause burns, pain or even lead to eye damage that may result in temporary or permanent blindness. Because of the severity of the consequences, when working with ammonia cleaners, they should always be sprayed down away from the face to avoid unnecessary exposures. Similarly, when mixing or using concentrated ammonia materials, a face shield or splash goggles should be put on to protect the eyes. However, if the eyes are accidentally exposed to ammonia materials, they should be flushed with water for about fifteen minutes and immediately sought for medical attention to prevent adverse effect.
In case of large scale leakages in factories, the premises should be evacuated immediately to avoid severe consequences. Nearby rescue services and other security providers such as those in Melbourne can be conducted to help in evacuation of people from the premises.
