This week's safety training tip touches on the topic of ammonia safety.

Ammonia is considered a health hazard because it is corrosive to the skin, eyes, and lungs.

Irritations to the eyes and skin are most common but in extreme cases when it’s inhaled, death.

Luckily with applying these safety steps you can avoid ammonia exposure.

• Eye/Face Protection:
  • Wear chemical safety goggles. A face shield (with safety goggles) may also be necessary.
• Skin Protection:
  • Wear chemical protective clothing e.g. gloves, aprons, boots. In some operations: wear a chemical protective, full-body encapsulating suit and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Suitable materials include: butyl rubber, Viton®, Viton®/butyl rubber, Trellchem® HPS, Trellchem® VPS, Tychem® Responder, Tychem® TK.
• Respiratory Protection:
  • For exposure up to 250 ppm: wear a NIOSH approved air-purifying respirator with an appropriate cartridge, wear a NIOSH approved self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) or supplied air respirator.
  • For exposure over 250 ppm and up to 300 ppm: wear a NIOSH approved self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) or supplied air respirator.

Taking these precautions can help with exposure to ammonia and prevent serious injury.

We hope you gained a safety training skill today. Until next time, stay positive and stay safe.