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Anhydrous ammonia

What is anhydrous ammonia?

Anhydrous ammonia:

• is a colourless gas with a characteristic pungent smell
• is an efficient refrigerant having the ability to absorb large quantities of heat
• is a naturally occurring gas which does not support global warming, nor attack the ozone layer
• can exist as a liquid, gas or aerosol.

However, anhydrous ammonia is also toxic and corrosive with flammable properties. It is considered a high health hazard and exposure to 300 ppm is immediately dangerous to life and health. Ammonia is also flammable at concentrations of approximately 15 per cent to 25 per cent by volume in air.

Anhydrous ammonia is generally safe provided safe storage, handling, operating, and maintenance procedures are in place and being followed.

Where is it found?

Anhydrous ammonia is used mainly as an agricultural fertiliser, industrial refrigerant and in the manufacture of ammonium nitrate based fertilisers and explosives. As a refrigerant, it can be found at ice works, cold stores and various food processing facilities (e.g. meat, dairy, processed foods and drinks).

What are the health effects?

Anhydrous ammonia can be harmful to people who come into contact with it or inhale airborne concentrations of the gas.

Effects of inhalation of anhydrous ammonia range from lung irritation to severe respiratory injuries, with possible fatality at higher concentrations. Anhydrous ammonia is also corrosive to the skin, eyes and lungs. Liquefied anhydrous ammonia is stored as a liquid and has a boiling point of minus 33 degrees Celsius. At this temperature it can cause freezing burns.

How to plan for an emergency

Occupiers of facilities with ammonia-based refrigeration systems must have a documented emergency plan in place to mitigate the effects on people and the environment in the event of a release of anhydrous ammonia into the atmosphere. Also, the plan is evidence that the occupier of a facility complies with dangerous goods legislation.

WHSQ developed An occupier's guide to emergency planning (PDF, 309 kB) to assist occupiers to prepare and implement an emergency plan for ammonia-based refrigeration systems. The guide should be read in conjunction with Emergency Planning: A Guideline for Hazardous Industry (PDF, 4.6 MB). This guide provides emergency planning guidance for all hazardous industries.

Resources

A WHSQ Safety tool for ammonia refrigeration safety which includes an audit checklist and supporting reference material has been made available to industry. The tool was designed to raise awareness and provides additional educational and training material about ammonia safety in the industrial refrigeration industry.

The tool is available on CD for free from the Hazardous Industries and Chemicals Branch. To obtain a copy, call 3109 0811 or email hicb@justice.qld.gov.au .

Other resources

Technical guidance for ammonia-based refrigeration systems is available in various Australian Standards including:

• AS/NZS 1677: Refrigerating systems, Part 1Refrigerant classification, and Part 2 Safety requirements for fixed applications
• AS/NZS3788 (2006): Pressure equipment- In-service inspection
• AS/NZS3873 (2001): Pressure equipment- Operation and maintenance

Further information is available in the Code of Practice, Victoria- Ammonia Refrigeration 2011, available at www.airah.org.au (non-Queensland Government link).

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