Anhydrous Ammonia

Anhydrous ammonia is a colorless, corrosive chemical that is lighter than air, extremely soluble in water, and has a piercing odor that is highly irritating. You are probably familiar with household ammonia, which is dissolved in water. In contrast, anhydrous ammonia is pure ammonia that is not mixed with water. Liquid anhydrous ammonia is a gas that is compressed into a liquid, has all of the hazards of ammonia, but also has the hazards of a compressed gas.

Anhydrous ammonia is widely used as a fertilizer and refrigerant.

Anhydrous ammonia may:

a) Be fatal if inhaled.
b) Cause burns to skin and eyes upon contact.
c) In liquid form can cause frostbite upon contact with skin.
d) Produce convulsive coughing or difficult and painful breathing.
e) Explode if containers are roughly handled or exposed to heat.

Anhydrous ammonia seeks water from the nearest source, including the human body. This attraction places the eyes, lungs, and skin at greatest risk because of their high moisture content. Caustic burns result when anhydrous ammonia dissolves into body tissue.

Most deaths from anhydrous ammonia are caused by severe damage to the throat and lungs from a direct blast to the face. When large amounts are inhaled, the throat swells shut and victims suffocate. Exposure to vapors or liquid also can cause blindness.

The best ways to reduce risk of serious injury from anhydrous ammonia exposure are to wear protective equipment, know what to do in an emergency, do not handle until properly trained and read your MSDS.

Always wear vent less goggles or a full-face shield, rubber gloves with long cuffs, and a long sleeved shirt when working with anhydrous ammonia.

About 80% of anhydrous ammonia accidents are the result of using improper procedures, lack of training in equipment operation or failure to follow prescribed practices. Employees that may be exposed to anhydrous ammonia in the workplace should know, understand, and follow all procedures, and work practices recommended by the manufacturers, before they begin anhydrous ammonia applications.