DATE: September 2015 Version 3

Ref. No.: MS025 Labelling Elements:

1 PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION Hazard Pictograms

Product Name Ammonia

Chemical Formula NH3
Trade name Ammonia
Colour coding Silver body with a Red(A.11) circle below
the valve, and a yellow band immediately
below the red circle
Valve CGA240-3/8 inch – 18 NGT right hand
female

Company Identification African Oxygen Limited

23 Webber Street
Johannesburg, 2001
Tel. No: (011) 490-0400
Fax No: (011) 490-0506

EMERGENCY NUMBER 0860111185 or (011) 873 4382

(24 hours)
Signal Word: Danger
2 COMPOSITION/INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS
Hazard Statements:
Chemical Name Ammonia H221: Flammable gas
Chemical family Corrosive, caustic, reactive gas H331: Toxic if inhaled
Synonyms Anhydrous ammonia, R717
CAS No. 7664-41-7
H314: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
UN No. 1005 H400: Very toxic to aquatic life
ERG No. 125
Hazchem Warning Corrosive toxic gas Precautionary Statements:
3 HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION (SEE FIRST AID MEASURES SECTION FOR TREATMENTS)
P260: Do not breathe gas/vapours
Main Hazards Irritating or corrosive to exposed tissues. Inhalation of
P262: Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on clothing
vapours may result in pulmonary oedema and chemical
P264: Wash hands thoroughly after handling
pneumonitis. Contact with liquid product may cause
frostbite or freeze burns, in exposed tissues. All cylinders P271: Use only outdoors or in a well ventilates area
are portable gas containers and must be regarded as P273: Avoid release to the environment
pressure vessels at all times. P391: Collect spillage
Adverse Health Effects. Inhalation of high concentrations produces P284: Wear respiratory protection
violent coughing due to the local action on the P304+P340: IF INHALED: remove to fresh air and keep at rest in a
respiratory tract. If rapid escape is not possible, position comfortable for breathing
severe lung irritation, pulmonary oedema and death P310: Immediately call a POISON CENTRE or doctor/physician
can result. Lower concentrations cause eye irritation,
P320: Specific treatment is urgent (see first aid measures section)
laryngitis and bronchitis.
P301+P330+P331: IF SWALLOWED: Rinse mouth. Do not induce
Biological Hazards. Because of its alkaline properties, long-term vomiting
exposure to flora can cause damage. Aquatic fauna
P303+P361+P353: IF ON SKIN (or hair): Immediately remove or take
can also be affected should the pH of their
off all contaminated clothing. Immediately rinse skin
environment change due to long-term exposure to
with water/shower
high concentrations of ammonia.
P363: Wash contaminated clothing before re-use.
Vapour Inhalation. Ammonia acts principally on the upper P305+P351+P338: IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for
respiratory tract, where it exerts an alkaline, caustic several minutes. Rem ove contact lenses, if present
action. It produces respiratory reflexes such as and easy to do so. Continue rinsing.
coughing and arrest of respiration. It affects the
P377: Leaking gas fire: Do not extinguish, unless leak can be
conjunctiva and cornea immediately. Inhalation
stopped safely.
causes acute inflammation of the respiratory organs,
coughing, oedema of the lungs, chronic bronchial P401: Store in accordance with national regulations
catarrh, secretion of saliva and retention of urine. P403+233: Store in a well ventilated place and keep container tightly
closed
Eye Contact Exposure to high gas concentrations may cause
temporary blindness and severe eye damage. P405: Store locked up
Direct contact of the eyes with liquid anhydrous P501: Do not dispose contents/container to storm water drains, treat
ammonia will produce serious eye burns. as hazardous waste.
Skin Contact Liquid anhydrous ammonia produces skin burns on
contact.

Ingestion Swallowing of the liquid results in severe corrosive action

of the mouth, throat, and stomach.

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 patient can swallow, encourage him to
4 FIRST AID MEASURES drink large quantities of 0,5% citric acid
solution or lemonade. Never give
Prompt medical attention is mandatory in all cases of overexposure.
anything by mouth to an unconscious
Rescue personnel should be equipped with self-contained breathing
person.
apparatus. Any conscious person who has inhaled ammonia causing
irritation should be assisted to an uncontaminated area and inhale Ingestion If liquid anhydrous ammonia has been
fresh air. A person overcome by ammonia should immediately be swallowed, call a physician immediately.
carried to an uncontaminated area. If breathing has ceased, artificial If the patient is conscious and able, he
respiration must be started immediately, preferably by trained should drink large amounts of water to
personnel. If breathing is weak or has been restored by artificial dilute the chemical. Do not induce
respiration, oxygen may be administered. Summon a physician vomiting if the patient is in shock, extreme
immediately for anyone who has been burned or overcome by pain or is unconscious. If vomiting begins,
ammonia. Until a physician arrives, and after having accomplished a place the patient face down with head
thorough removal of ammonia as possible, keep the patient warm and lower than hips; this prevents vomit from
quiet, and take such specific action as may be indicated. entering the lungs and causing further
injury
Eye Contact Persons with potential exposure to ammonia should not
wear contact lenses. Call a physician at once. 5 FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES
Immediately begin irrigation of the eyes with copious
amounts of clean water while holding the eyelids apart. Extinguishing media. Fog-water spray. (In the absence of fog
Continue irrigation for 15 minutes. Repeat this procedure equipment, a fine spray of water may
every 10 minutes for an hour, each time irrigating for a be used.) Use media suitable for
period of 5 minutes. If readily available, a 5% boric acid surrounding fire. Although ammonia
solution may be used instead of water, but irrigation does not represent a serious
must not be delayed while such a solution is sought or flammability hazard, mixtures of air and
prepared. Prompt and thorough irrigation is of primary ammonia containing from 15% to 28%
importance. Any standard anaesthetic solution for ammonia vapour by volume will ignite
ophthalmic use ordered by the physician may be instilled when sparked, or exposed to
for control of severe pain, but only after the 15 minute temperatures exceeding 651°C.
period of irrigation has been completed. Continuous cold
Specific Hazards High levels of ammonia can produce
boric acid compresses should be used for cases of
corrosive effects on tissues and can
severe injury, in addition to irrigation.
cause laryngeal and bronchial spasm and
No oils or ointments should be instilled until after the
oedema so as to obstruct breathing.
eye has been examined by a qualified physician, and
then only as prescribed by him. Ulcers of the cornea Emergency Actions. Rescue personnel should be equipped
should be treated by an ophthalmologist. with self-contained breathing apparatus. If
Skin Contact If skin contact is extensive and emergency showers possible, stop the flow of gas. Since
available, the victim should get under the emergency ammonia is soluble in water, it is the best
extinguishing media - not only in
shower immediately. Contaminated clothing and shoes
extinguishing the fire, but also absorbing
should be removed under the shower. In other cases, the
the escaped ammonia gas. Evacuate the
affected areas should be washed thoroughly with large
amounts of running water for at least 15 minutes. Do not area. All cylinders should be removed
from the vicinity of the fire. Cylinders that
apply salves or ointments or cover burns with dressing;
however, protect the injured area with a clean cloth prior cannot be removed should be cooled with
to medical care. Do not attempt to neutralise the water from a safe distance. Cylinders
which have been exposed to excessive
ammonia. Subsequent medical treatment is otherwise the
same as for thermal burns heat should be clearly identified and
. returned to the supplier.
Inhalation The conscious person who has inhaled a concentration CONTACT THE NEAREST AFROX
of ammonia which causes irritation effects should go to BRANCH.
an uncontaminated area and inhale fresh air or oxygen.
Eye, nose and throat irritation should be treated as Protective Clothing. Self-contained breathing apparatus.
described below for more serious exposures. However, Safety gloves, Goggles and shoes, or
if the exposure has been to minor concentrations for a boots, should be worn when handling
limited time, usually no treatment will be required. A cylinders.
worker overcome by ammonia must be carried to an
Environmental precautions. As the gas is lighter than air, ensure that it
uncontaminated atmosphere and, if breathing is
is not trapped in confined spaces. Knock
laboured or has ceased, given artificial respiration
down pockets of gas with fog-water spray,
(back-pressure, arm lift, or mouth-to-mouth
and ventilate the area using forced-draft if
resuscitation) immediately, preferably by trained
necessary. Prevent from entering sewers
personnel. When breathing has been restored, 100%
and drains.
oxygen is administered, but not for more than 1 hour of
continuous treatment at one time. Oxygen therapy may
be interrupted after 1 hour, and reinstituted as the
clinical condition indicates. Observe for laryngeal spasm
and perform tracheotomy if indicated. In case of severe
exposure, the patient should breathe 100% oxygen
under positive exhalation pressure (4cm) for one-half
hour periods every hour. Treatment may be continued 6 ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES
in this way until symptoms subside or other clinical
indications for interruption appear. Personal Precautions. Personnel working with anhydrous ammonia
Contact with nose & throat. Irrigate the nose and mouth should be thoroughly familiar with safety precautions for handling
continuously for 15 minutes. If the a gas corrosive to human tissue as well as measures
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 for handling em ergencies. A gas mask must be worn when
breaking and making connections, or pressuring a system. 10. STABILITY AND REACTIVITY
Self-contained breathing apparatus should be available both
Conditions to avoid. Heating of cylinders, as the increase in pressure
up and down wind.
bears a direct relationship to increase in temperature. When the
Environmental Precautions. Because of its high alkalinity and gas is exposed to temperatures in the range 449°C at
solubility in water, ammonia can alter the pH balances of 101,325kPa, dissociation will occur, with the release of nitrogen
surface water, soil and plants. Should they be exposed to high and hydrogen. The hydrogen could then form explosive gas/air
concentrations for any length of time, these changes in pH could mixtures. Never use cylinders as rollers or supports, or for any
be detrimental to both flora and fauna. other purpose than the storage of ammonia.
Small spills. Only personnel trained for, and designated to handle Incompatible Materials. Most common metals are not affected by
emergencies, should attempt to stop a leak. Respiratory dry ammonia. However, when combined with water vapour,
equipment of a type suitable for ammonia must be worn. All ammonia will attack copper, zinc, or alloys containing copper
persons not so equipped must leave the affected area until the as a major alloying element. Therefore, these materials
leak has been stopped. If ammonia vapour is released, the should not be used in contact with ammonia.
irritating effect of the vapour will typically force personnel to leave Hazardous Decomposition Products See above, Conditions to
the area before they have been exposed to dangerous
concentrations. Knock down small amounts of ammonia using a Avoid 10 TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION
fog-water spray.Prevent from entering sewers or drains. Ventilate
Acute Toxicity Ammonia is not a systemic poison
the area using forced-draught ventilation if necessary.
Skin & eye contact Severe irritant
Large spills Evacuate all unprotected personnel to upwind areas.
Chronic Toxicity Chronic irritation to the eyes, nose, and upper
Disperse leaks with water spray or fog to lower concentration
respiratory tract may result from repeated exposure to the
of ammonia gas. Neutralise contaminated area with a dilute
vapours.
acid, and deluge with plenty of water. Rotate a leaking
cylinder to allow gas instead of liquid to escape. Keep area Carcinogenicity: No known effect.
isolated until all gas has been dispersed. Evaporation is very Mutagenicity: Genetic mutations observed in bacterial and
rapid causing ice to form on leaking cylinders mammalian test systems.
7 HANDLING AND STORAGE Reproductive Hazards: No known effect
Always store full cylinders in upright position. Avoid dragging, rolling National Legislation: None
or sliding cylinders. Use trolleys for handling. Cylinders should be (For further information see Section 3. Adverse Health Effects).
stored in a well ventilated area on a hard dry surface. Ventilation 11 ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION
inlets should be at ceiling and floor level. Cylinders must be used on a
"first in - first out" basis. Keep cylinders away from sources of heat. Ammonia gas can cause damage to the ecology due to its high
Keep away from children. alkalinity and affinity for water. pH changes can occur in the
immediate environs of a spill which could affect both flora and fauna
8 EXPOSURE CONTROLS/PERSONAL PROTECTION 12 DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS
Occupational Exposure Hazards. Inhalation of high concentrations Disposal Methods. Ammonia may be disposed of by discharge into
produces violent coughing due to local action on the respiratory tract. If water of sufficient volume to absorb it. Disposal
rapid escape is not possible, severe lung irritation, pulmonary oedema and of the resultant ammonium hydroxide, including
death can result. Lower concentrations cause eye irritation, laryngitis and and subsequent neutralisation products, must
bronchitis. Exposure to high gas concentrations may cause temporary be done in an environmentally safe manner that,
blindness and severe eye damage. Direct contact of the eyes with liquid for example, will not be harmful to aquatic life.
anhydrous ammonia will produce serious eye burns. Liquid anhydrous Large amounts should only be handled by the
ammonia produces skin burns on contact. gas supplier.
TLV 25ppm 13 TRANSPORT INFORMATION
STEL 35ppm
ROAD TRANSPORTATION
Engineering control measures. Engineering control measures are UN No. 1005
preferred to reduce exposures. General methods include mechanical Class 2.3 Toxic gas
ventilation, process or personal enclosure, and control of process Subsidiary risk Corrosive, inhalation hazard
conditions. Administrative controls and personal protective equipment ERG No 125
may also be required. Use a suitable flameproof ventilation system Hazchem warning Toxic gas -SUBSIDIARY IMO CLASS 8
separate from other exhaust ventilation systems. Exhaust direct to SEA TRANSPORTATION
outside and supply sufficient replacement air to make up for air IMDG 1005
removed by exhaust system. class 2.3
Personal Eyes - Chemical goggles Label Toxic gas
protection Hands - Rubber gloves Skin - AIR TRANSPORTATION
rubber or plastic apron ICAO/IATA Code 1005
Class 2.3
9 PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL Subsidiary risk Toxic, corrosive gas
Packaging group
PROPERTIES PHYSICAL DATA
- Cargo 200
Chemical Symbol NH3 - Passenger Forbidden
Molecular Weight 17,031 Maximum quantity allowed
Specific Volume @ 20°C & 101,325 kPa 1405,6 ml/g - Cargo 25kg
Boiling point @ 101,325 kPa -33,4°C - Passenger Forbidden
Relative density (Air = 1) @ 101,325 kPa 0,599
14 REGULATORY INFORMATION
Flammability levels in air 16 - 25% (by vol.)
Autoignition temperature 651°C GHS Hazard class: Flam gas 2
Colour None Acute tox 3
Taste Alkaline
(Inhalation)
Odour Pungent
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EMS - FC, SU
Proper Shipping Name: Ammonia Anhydrous
 Skin corr 1B
Acute aquatic 1

National Legislation OHSact and Regulations (85 of 1993)

Refer to SANS 10234 and SANS 1034 Supplement for explanation of
the above
15 OTHER INFORMATION
Bibliography
Compressed Gas Association, Arlington, Virginia
Handbook of Compressed Gases - 3rd Edition
Matheson. Matheson Gas Data Book - 6th Edition
SANS 10265 - Labelling of Dangerous Substances
16 EXCLUSION OF LIABILITY
Information contained in this publication is accurate at the date of
publication. The company does not accept liability arising from the
use of this information, or the use, application, adaptation or
process of any products described herein.

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