1. Sodium Hypochlorite & Ammonia Safety

2. Sodium Hypochlorite
First produced in 1789 in France by passing chlorine gas through a solution of sodium carbonate
Today it can be produced in two ways:
By dissolving salt in softened water, which results in a concentrated brine solution. The solution is electrolyzed and forms a sodium hypochlorite solution in water
Using this process, hydrogen gas is also produced
The second way is by adding chlorine gas to caustic soda, creating sodium hypochlorite, water, and salt

3. Sodium Hypochlorite Clear/slightly yellowish in color Unstable
Chlorine evaporates at a rate of 0.75 grams of active chlorine per day
Disintegration occurs faster at warmer temperatures
Should be kept in a climate-controlled environment
Strong oxidizer
Raises pH due to presence of caustic soda in hypochlorite

4. Sodium Hypochlorite Uses
As household bleach, hypochlorite is available as 3-8%
An effective sanitizer as low as 2%
As a disinfectant, hypochlorite is available as 10-15%
12% most common in water disinfection
15% most common in wastewater disinfection
Large-scale usage in agriculture, and paint, lime, food, glass, paper, pharmaceutical, and waste disposal industries
Can be used to prevent algae growth in cooling towers

5. Sodium Hypochlorite Disinfection
Used in place of chlorine gas
As effective as chlorine gas
Simple dosage
Produces a measureable residual
Can still create disinfection by-products
Trihalomethanes & Haloacetic acids

6. Sodium Hypochlorite Safety
Various health effects can occur after exposure
Inhalation: sore throat & coughing
Skin: redness & pain
Should use common sense when transferring from bulk tank to day tank
Use respiratory and skin protection

8. Ammonia
Also referred to as aqueous ammonia, liquid ammonia, ammonia water, ammonium hydroxide
One of the most commonly produced industrial chemicals in the US
80% of ammonia produced is used as fertilizer
Also used in the treatment of water supplies, and in the manufacture of plastics, explosives, textiles, pesticides, and dyes
Household ammonia cleaning solutions are between 5-10% ammonia
Industrial ammonia solutions may be 25% or higher and are highly corrosive

9. Ammonia
At room temperature, ammonia is a colorless, highly irritating gas with a pungent, suffocating odor
Corrosive
Ammonia gas dissolves easily in water
Is not highly flammable, but may explode when exposed to high heat
Gas is lighter than air and will rise
Exception to this is areas of high humidity – gas will form vapors that are heavier than air

10. Ammonia in Water Treatment
Used in conjunction with chlorine to create chloramines
Commonly used when water travels a great distance
Helps prevent the creation of disinfection by-products

11. Ammonia Safety
Has a greater tendency to penetrate and damage the eyes than does any other alkali
Even low concentrations produce rapid eye irritation
Repeated exposure can cause chronic cough, asthma, and lung fibrosis
Odor provides adequate early warning, but ammonia also causes olfactory adaptation or fatigue, reducing awareness of prolonged exposure at low concentrations
No antidote to ammonia poisoning
Only supportive measures

12. Ammonia Safety
SCBA is recommended in response situations that involve exposure to potentially unsafe levels
If contact with skin or eyes, immediate decontamination with copious amount of water is vital
If inhaled, immediately remove that person to fresh air
Ammonia should be stored/handled in a well-ventilated area
Wash hands immediately after handling
Wear protective glasses and clothing