Objectives u Provide Knowledge and Understanding of Physical and Chemical Properties u Provide Knowledge and Understanding of Health Effects u First Aid Considerations u Risk-based Response Decisions and Recommendations

Agenda u Uses u Properties u Health Effects & First Aid u Response - based on properties u Decisions/Considerations

ANHYDROUS AMMONIA The Chemical NH 3

Ammonia u Anhydrous Ammonia u NH3 u Liquefied Compressed Gas u Anhydrous = Without Water u Aqua Ammonia u Ammonia and Water u NH4OH u Corrosive Liquid u Ammonium Hydroxide u Ammonia Solutions u Usually 10 – 35% Concentration by Weight

Ammonia Uses u Fertilizer u Power Plants u Nox Removal u Refrigeration u Heat Treating u Water Treatment u Diazo Machines u Blue Print Industry u Illicit Use u Meth Production u Need Liquid Phase

Properties - NH3 u Colorless Liquid, Pungent Odor u Boiling Point -28 F u High Latent Heat of Vaporization u Liquid Density 5.15 lb/gal 60 F u Vapor Density 0.6 (air = 1) u Atmospheric Conditions u Liquid Under Pressure

Properties - NH3 u Pressure/Temperature Relationship u High Coefficient of Expansion u High Volumetric Expansion Ratio u Direct Relationship u Independent of Volume

Volumetric Expansion Ratio u 850:1 u Little Bit Goes A Long Way u How Many Pounds or Gallons ???? u High Coefficient of Expansion u Do Not Trap Liquid u 85% Fill Limit For Storage

Pressure – Temperature Relationship Continued u Direct Relationship u Independent of Volume in a Container u -28 º F - 0 psig u 0 º F psig u 30 º F - 45 psig u 50 º F psig u 70 º F psig u 100 º F psig

5% Full 75% Full

pH 0_______________________14 Acids 7 Bases Neutral Ammonia Is A Very Strong Base 30% Concentration can have a pH of 13.5 or Greater.

Reactivity

Ammonia Flammability u Minimum & Maximum Concentration In Air Of A Gas Or Vapor Between Which Ignition Can Occur; LEL - UEL u 0 16% - 25% 100% u | | NIOSH 15 – 28%

Ammonia Exposure u VAPOR u More Forgiving u Irritating u High Levels u Caustic Burn u Can Escape Laterally & Upwind u LIQUID u Very Cold u Frost Bite u Caustic/Alkaline u Chemical Burn

Skin and Eyes u Frost Bite u Liquid Exposure u Chemical Caustic / Alkaline Burn u Water, Water, Water u 15 to 20 Minutes u No Topical Ointments u Clothing May Freeze To The Skin u If Liquid Exposure u Ensure Patient Is Properly Deconned Prior To Transport

Ammonia Exposure Limits u Federal PEL - 50 ppm (35mg/m3) TWA u NIOSH - 25 ppm (18mg/m3) TWA u STEL - 35 ppm (27mg/m3) 15 minutes u IDLH ppm u No Cartridge Respirators u SCBA Required

Ammonia Response – Health Issues 2-5 PPM Detectable Odor 25 PPM REL TLV- TWA 35 PPM STEL 50 PPM PEL (OSHA) Z-List 140 PPM Runny eyes & nose 300 PPM IDLH 700 PPM Immediate eye injury 5000 PPM.5% Death in minutes 10,000 PPM 1 % Immediate Death 30,000 3 % Skin Irritations Burns, blisters 150, % Lower Flammable Limit 280, % Upper Flammable Limit 0 ppm 0 % 1,000,000 ppm 100 %

Response Considerations u INDOOR u Flammability u Visible Cloud ? u Ventilation u Negative Pressure u Positive Pressure u Level of Dress u OUTDOOR u Downwind Threats u Public Exposure u Type of Release u Weather Effects u Where/When Water u Level Of Dress

Decisions/Considerations u Find Knowledgeable Person u Can Leak Be Isolated Remotely u Best Approach may be No Approach u FD – Do Not Be Valve Turners u Level Of Dress – Bunker/SCBA/Level A, B u Where & When To Use Water u Control & Contain u Tarp & Cover as an Option