Ammonia
Ammonia
Ammonia
3. Hazards Identification
EMERGENCY OVERVIEW
Irritating or corrosive to exposed tissues. Inhalation of vapors may result in pulmonary edema and
chemical pneumonitis. Slightly flammable.
MSDS: G-11
Revised: 7/1/96 Page 1 of 7
PRODUCT NAME: AMMONIA
ROUTE OF ENTRY:
Skin Contact Skin Absorption Eye Contact Inhalation Ingestion
Yes No Yes Yes No
HEALTH EFFECTS:
Exposure Limits Irritant Sensitization
Yes Yes No
Teratogen Reproductive Hazard Mutagen
No No Yes
Synergistic Effects
None Reported
EYE EFFECTS:
Mild concentrations of product will cause conjunctivitis. Contact with higher concentrations of product will
cause swelling of the eyes and lesions with a possible loss of vision.
SKIN EFFECTS:
Mild concentrations of product will cause dermatitis or conjunctivitis. Contact with higher concentrations of
product will cause caustic-like dermal burns and inflammation. Toxic level exposure may cause skin lesions
resulting in early necrosis and scarring.
INGESTION EFFECTS:
Since product is a gas at room temperature, ingestion is unlikely.
INHALATION EFFECTS:
Corrosive and irritating to the upper respiratory system and all mucous type tissue. Depending on the
concentration inhaled, it may cause burning sensations, coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, headache,
nausea, with eventual collapse.
Inhalation of excessive amounts affects the upper airway (larynx and bronchi) by causing caustic-like burning
resulting in edema and chemical pneumonitis. If it enters the deep lung, pulmonary edema will result.
Pulmonary edema and chemical pneumonitis are potentially fatal conditions.
MSDS: G-11
Revised: 7/1/96 Page 2 of 7
PRODUCT NAME: AMMONIA
EYES:
Flush contaminated eye(s) with copious quantities of water. Part eyelids to assure complete flushing. Continue
for a minimum of 15 minutes. PERSONS WITH POTENTIAL EXPOSURE TO AMMONIA SHOULD NOT
WEAR CONTACT LENSES.
SKIN:
Remove contaminated clothing as rapidly as possible. Flush affected area with copious quantities of water. In
cases of frostbite or cryogenic "burns" flush area with lukewarm water. DO NOT USE HOT WATER. A
physician should see the patient promptly if the cryogenic "burn" has resulted in blistering of the dermal surface
or deep tissue freezing.
INGESTION:
Not specified. Seek immediate medical attention.
INHALATION
PROMPT MEDICAL ATTENTION IS MANDATORY IN ALL CASES OF OVEREXPOSURE. RESCUE
PERSONNEL SHOULD BE EQUIPPED WITH SELF-CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS.
Conscious persons should be assisted to an uncontaminated area and inhale fresh air. Quick removal from the
contaminated area is most important. Unconscious persons should be moved to an uncontaminated area, given
mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and supplemental oxygen. Keep victim warm and quiet. Assure that mucus or
vomited material does not obstruct the airway by positional drainage.
EXTINGUISHING MEDIA:
Water fog. Use media suitable for surrounding fire.
MSDS: G-11
Revised: 7/1/96 Page 3 of 7
PRODUCT NAME: AMMONIA
Evacuate all personnel from affected area. Use appropriate protective equipment. If leak is in users equipment,
be certain to purge piping with inert gas prior to attempting repairs. If leak is in container or container valve,
contact the appropriate emergency telephone number listed in Section 1 or call your closest BOC location.
Electrical Classification:
Class 1, Group D.
Earth-ground and bond all lines and equipment associated with the ammonia system. Electrical equipment
should be non-sparking or explosion proof.
Gaseous or liquid anhydrous ammonia corrodes certain metals at ambient temperatures. The presence of oxygen
enhances the corrosion of ordinary or semi-alloy steels. The addition of water inhibits this enhancement. Keep
anhydrous ammonia systems scrupulously dry.
Use only in well-ventilated areas. Valve protection caps must remain in place unless container is secured with
valve outlet piped to use point. Do not drag, slide or roll cylinders. Use a suitable hand truck for cylinder
movement. Use a pressure regulator when connecting cylinder to lower pressure (<500 psig) piping or systems.
Do not heat cylinder by any means to increase the discharge rate of product from the cylinder. Use a check
valve to trap in the discharge line to prevent hazardous back flow into the cylinder.
Protect cylinders from physical damage. Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from heavily trafficked
areas and emergency exits. Do not allow the temperature where cylinders are stored to exceed 125oF (52oC).
Cylinders should be stored upright and firmly secured to prevent falling or being knocked over. Full and empty
cylinders should be segregated. Use a "first in-first out" inventory system to prevent full cylinders from being
stored for excessive periods of time.
For additional handling recommendations, consult Compressed Gas Association Pamphlets P-1 and G2.
Never carry a compressed gas cylinder or a container of a gas in cryogenic liquid form in an enclosed space such
as a car trunk, van or station wagon. A leak can result in a fire, explosion, asphyxiation or a toxic exposure.
EXPOSURE LIMITS1:
INGREDIENT % VOLUME PEL-OSHA2 TLV-ACGIH3 LD50 or LC50
Route/Species
Ammonia 100.0 50 ppm TWA 25 ppm TWA LC50
FORMULA: NH3 35 ppm STEL 2000 ppm/4H
CAS: 7664-41-7
RTECS #: BO0875000
1
Refer to individual state of provincial regulations, as applicable, for limits which may be more stringent than
those listed here.
2
As stated in 29 CFR 1910, Subpart Z (revised July 1, 1993)
3
As stated in the ACGIH 1994-1995 Threshold Limit Values for Chemical Substances and Physical Agents.
ENGINEERING CONTROLS:
Use local exhaust ventilation to reduce concentrations to within current exposure limits. A laboratory type hood
is suitable for handling small or limited quantities.
MSDS: G-11
Revised: 7/1/96 Page 4 of 7
PRODUCT NAME: AMMONIA
EYE/FACE PROTECTION:
Gas tight chemical goggles or full-face piece respirator.
SKIN PROTECTION:
Protective gloves made of any suitable material.
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION:
Level C respiratory protection with full face piece or self-contained breathing apparatus should be available for
emergency use. Air purifying respirators must be equipped with suitable cartridges. Do not exceed maximum
use concentrations. Do not use air purifying respirators in an oxygen deficient/immediately dangerous to life
and health (IDLH) atmosphere. Consult manufacturers instructions before use.
OTHER/GENERAL PROTECTION:
Safety shoes, safety shower, eyewash "fountain".
STABILITY:
Unstable
INCOMPATIBLE MATERIALS:
Reacts vigorously with fluorine, chlorine, HCl, HBr, nitrosyl chloride, chromyl chloride, nitrogen dioxide,
trioxygen difluoride, and nitrogen trichloride.
MSDS: G-11
Revised: 7/1/96 Page 5 of 7
PRODUCT NAME: AMMONIA
HAZARDOUS POLYMERIZATION:
Will not occur.
MUTAGENIC:
Genetic mutations observed in bacterial and mammalian test systems.
OTHER:
Toxic effects to the respiratory system, senses, liver, kidneys and bladder observed in mammalian species from
prolonged inhalation exposures at above 100 ppm.
Do not attempt to dispose of residual waste or unused quantities. Return in the shipping container PROPERLY
LABELED, WITH ANY VALVE OUTLET PLUGS OR CAPS SECURED AND VALVE PROTECTION CAP
IN PLACE to BOC Gases or authorized distributor for proper disposal.
MSDS: G-11
Revised: 7/1/96 Page 6 of 7
PRODUCT NAME: AMMONIA
The presence of Ammonia in quantities in excess of the threshold planning quantity (TPQ) of 500 pounds
requires certain emergency planning activities to be conducted.
This information must be included on all MSDS that are copied and distributed for this material.
Compressed gas cylinders shall not be refilled without the express written permission of the owner. Shipment of
a compressed gas cylinder which has not been filled by the owner or with his/her (written) consent is a
violation of transportation regulations.
MSDS: G-11
Revised: 7/1/96 Page 7 of 7