MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
SECTION 1. PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION
PRODUCT NAME: Ammonia
CHEMICAL NAME: Ammonia FORMULA: NH3
SYNONYMS: Ammonia, Anhydrous
MANUFACTURER: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
7201 Hamilton Boulevard
Allentown, PA 18195-1501
PRODUCT INFORMATION: (800) 752-1597
MSDS NUMBER: 1003 REVISION: 7
REVIEW DATE: December 1999 REVISION DATE: December 1999
SECTION 2. COMPOSITION / INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS
Ammonia is sold as pure product (>99%).
CAS NUMBER: 7664-41-7
EXPOSURE LIMITS:
OSHA: PEL = 50 ppm ACGIH: TLV/TWA = 25 ppm NIOSH: IDLH = 300 ppm
TLV-STEL = 35 ppm
SECTION 3. HAZARD IDENTIFICATION
EMERGENCY OVERVIEW
Anhydrous Ammonia is an irritating, flammable, and colorless liquefied compressed gas packaged in
cylinders under its own vapor pressure of 114 psig at 70 F. Ammonia can cause severe eye, skin and
respiratory tract burns. It poses an immediate fire and explosion hazard when concentrations exceed
15%; therefore, area must be ventilated before entering. Wear self-contained breathing apparatus
(SCBA) when entering release area if concentrations exceed allowable exposure limits. Fully protective
suits are required in large releases. Always be aware of fire and explosion potential in the case of large
releases.
EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS
(800) 523-9374 Continental U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico
(610) 481-7711 other locations
ACUTE POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS:
ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
EYE CONTACT: Exposure to Ammonia can cause moderate to severe eye irritation.
INGESTION: Ingestion is not a likely route of exposure for Ammonia.
INHALATION: Ammonia is severely irritating to nose, throat, and lungs. Symptoms may include
burning sensations, coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, headache and nausea. Overexposure
may also cause central nervous system effects including unconsciousness and convulsions. Upper
airway damage is more likely and can result in bronchospasm (closing of the airway). Vocal chords
are particularly vulnerable to corrosive effects of high concentrations. Lower airway damage may
result in fluid build up and hemorrhage. Death has occurred following a 5 minute exposure to 5000
ppm.
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SKIN CONTACT: Vapor contact may cause irritation and burns. Contact with liquid may cause
freezing of the tissue accompanied by corrosive caustic action and dehydration.
POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS OF REPEATED EXPOSURE:
ROUTE OF ENTRY: Inhalation, eye or skin contact
SYMPTOMS: Repeated or prolonged skin exposure may cause dermatitis.
TARGET ORGANS: Eyes, skin, central nervous and respiratory systems.
MEDICAL CONDITIONS AGGRAVATED BY OVEREXPOSURE: Conditions generally aggravated by
exposure include asthma, chronic respiratory disease (e.g., emphysema), dermatitis and eye disease.
CARCINOGENICITY: Ammonia is not listed as a carcinogen or potential carcinogen by NTP, IARC, or
OSHA.
SECTION 4. FIRST AID MEASURES
EYE CONTACT: Flush eyes with large quantities of water. Seek medical attention immediately.
INGESTION: Ingestion is not a likely route of exposure for Ammonia.
INHALATION: Remove person to fresh air. If not breathing, administer artificial respiration. If breathing
is difficult, administer oxygen. Obtain prompt medical attention.
SKIN CONTACT: Flush affected area with large quantities of water. Remove contaminated clothing
immediately. If liquid comes in contact with skin, remove contaminated clothing and flush with plenty of
lukewarm water for several minutes. Seek medical attention immediately.
NOTE TO PHYSICIAN: Bronchospasm may be treated with the use of a bronchodialator such as
albuterol and an anticholinergic inhalant such as Atrovent.
SECTION 5. FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES
FLASH POINT: AUTOIGNITION: FLAMMABLE RANGE:
Not applicable 1204 掳F (651 C) 16% - 25%
EXTINGUISHING MEDIA: Dry chemical, carbon dioxide or water.
SPECIAL FIRE FIGHTING INSTRUCTIONS: Evacuate all personnel from area. If possible without risk,
stop the flow of Ammonia, then fight fire according to types of materials that are burning. Extinguish fire
only if gas flow can be stopped. This will avoid possible accumulation and re-ignition of a flammable gas
mixture. If possible, move adjacent cylinders away from fire area. Keep adjacent cylinders cool by
spraying with large amounts of water until the fire burns itself out. Self-contained breathing apparatus
(SCBA) may be required.
UNUSUAL FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS: Most cylinders are designed to vent contents when
exposed to elevated temperatures. Pressure in a cylinder can build up due to heat and it may rupture if
pressure relief devices should fail to function. Runoff from firefighting may be contaminated; check pH.
Ammonia can form explosive compounds when combined with mercury.
HAZARDOUS COMBUSTION PRODUCTS: Oxides of nitrogen
SECTION 6. ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES
STEPS TO BE TAKEN IF MATERIAL IS RELEASED OR SPILLED: Evacuate immediate area.
Eliminate any possible sources of ignition, and provide maximum explosion-proof ventilation. Shut off
source of leak if possible. Isolate any leaking cylinder. If leak is from container, pressure relief device or
its valve, contact your supplier. If the leak is in the user鈥檚 system, close the cylinder valve, safely vent the
pressure, and purge with an inert gas before attempting repairs. Ammonia vapors can be controlled with
water spray, however; runoff may be contaminated. Releases that exceed 100 lbs (45.4 kgs) during a 24-
hour period must be reported. (See Section 15).
All responders must be adequately protected from exposure. Levels of Ammonia should be below levels
listed in Section 2 (Composition / Information on Ingredients) and the atmosphere must have at least 19.5%
oxygen before personnel can be allowed in the area without self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
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SECTION 7. HANDLING AND STORAGE
STORAGE: Store cylinders in a well-ventilated, secure area, protected from the weather. Cylinders
should be stored upright with valve outlet seals and valve protection caps in place. There should be no
sources of ignition. All electrical equipment should be explosion-proof in the storage areas. Storage
areas must meet National Electrical Codes for class 1 hazardous areas. Flammable storage areas should
be separated from oxygen and other oxidizers by a minimum distance of 20 ft. or by a barrier of non-
combustible material at least 5 ft. high having a fire resistance rating of at least 陆 hour. Ammonia
cylinders should not be stored near acids or acid-forming gases. Post 鈥淣o Smoking or Open Flames鈥?
signs in the storage or use areas. Do not allow storage temperature to exceed 125 F (52 C). Storage
should be away from heavily traveled areas and emergency exits. Full and empty cylinders should be
segregated. Use a first-in first-out inventory system to prevent full containers from being stored for long
periods of time.
Caution: Ammonia cylinders are subject to theft and misuse. Cylinders should be stored and used in
controlled areas.
HANDLING: Do not drag, roll, slide or drop cylinder. Use a suitable hand truck designed for cylinder
movement. Never attempt to lift a cylinder by its cap. Secure cylinders at all times while in use. Use a
pressure reducing regulator or separate control valve to safely discharge gas from cylinder. Use a check valve
to prevent reverse flow into cylinder. Never apply flame or localized heat directly to any part of the cylinder. Do
not allow any part of the cylinder to exceed 125 F (52 C). Once cylinder has been connected to properly
purged and inerted process, open cylinder valve slowly and carefully. If user experiences any difficulty
operating cylinder valve, discontinue use and contact supplier. Never insert an object (e.g., wrench,
screwdriver, etc.) into valve cap openings. Doing so may damage valve causing a leak to occur. Use an
adjustable strap-wrench to remove over-tight or rusted caps. All piped systems and associated equipment
must be grounded. Electrical equipment should be non-sparking or explosion-proof.
Only a recommended CGA connection should be used. Adapters should not be used. Use piping and
equipment adequately designed to withstand pressures to be encountered. If liquid product is being used,
ensure steps have been taken to prevent entrapment of liquid in closed systems. The use of pressure
relief devices may be necessary. Dedicated inert gas cylinders with in line back-flow protection should be
used for purging.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Always store and handle compressed gases in accordance with
Compressed Gas Association, Inc. (ph.703-979-0900) pamphlet CGA P-1, Safe Handling of Compressed
Gases in Containers. Local regulations may require specific equipment for storage or use.
SECTION 8. EXPOSURE CONTROLS/PERSONAL PROTECTION
ENGINEERING CONTROLS:
VENTILATION: Provide adequate natural or mechanical ventilation to maintain Ammonia
concentrations below exposure limits.
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION:
Emergency Use: Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) or positive pressure airline with full
face mask with escape pack should be worn in areas of a large release or unknown
concentration.
EYE PROTECTION: Safety glasses for handling cylinders. Chemical goggles with full faceshield for
connecting, disconnecting or opening cylinders.
SKIN PROTECTION: Leather gloves for handling cylinders. Rubber or Neoprene gloves, and chemical
resistant outergarment should be worn when connecting or disconnecting cylinders. Total encapsulating
chemical suit may be necessary in large release area. Fire resistant suit and gloves in emergency
situations.
OTHER PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT: Safety shoes are recommended when handling cylinders. Safety
shower and eyewash fountain should be readily available.
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CAUTION: Contact with cold, evaporating liquid on gloves or clothing may cause cryogenic burns or
frostbite. Cold temperatures may also cause embrittlement of PPE material resulting in breakage and
exposure.
SECTION 9. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
APPEARANCE, ODOR AND STATE: Colorless gas with a sharp, strong odor similar to 鈥渟melling salts鈥?
which is readily detectable at 20 ppm
MOLECULAR WEIGHT: 17.0
BOILING POINT (1 atm): -28.1 F (-33.4 C)
SPECIFIC GRAVITY (air=1): 0.59
FREEZING POINT / MELTING POINT: -107.9 F (-77.7 C)
VAPOR PRESSURE (At 70 F (21.1 C)): 114.4 psig
3
GAS DENSITY (At 70 F (21.1 C) and 1 atm): 0.045 lb/ft
SOLUBILITY IN WATER (vol./vol. at 68 掳F): 0.848
SECTION 10. STABILITY AND REACTIVITY
CHEMICAL STABILITY: Stable
CONDITIONS TO AVOID: High temperatures (greater than 800 掳F (426 C)). Cylinders should not be
exposed to temperatures in excess of 125 F (52 C).
INCOMPATIBILITY (Materials to Avoid): Copper, silver, cadmium and zinc and their alloys; mercury,
tin, acids, alcohols, aldehydes, halogens and oxidizers.
REACTIVITY:
A) HAZARDOUS DECOMPOSITION PRODUCTS: Hydrogen at high temperatures.
B) HAZARDOUS POLYMERIZATION: Will not occur
SECTION 11. TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION
LC50 (Inhalation): 7338 - 11590 ppm (rat, 1 hour); 2000 ppm (rat, 4 hours)
LD50 (Oral): Not applicable
LD50 (Dermal): Not applicable
SKIN CORROSIVITY: Ammonia is corrosive to the skin.
ADDITIONAL NOTES: Rats exposed continuously to 180 ppm Ammonia for 90 days did not show any
abnormalities of organs or tissues. Mild nasal irritation was observed in 12 out of 49 rats exposed to
380 ppm Ammonia. At 655 ppm Ammonia, 32 out of 51 rats died by day 25 of exposure and 50 out of 51
rats had died after 65 days of exposure.
SECTION 12. ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION
AQUATIC TOXICITY: Currently, the following aquatic toxicity data are available for Ammonia:
Daphnia magna (48 hour) LC50 = 189 mg/l
Rainbow trout (24 hour) LC50 = 0.97 mg/l
Fathead minnow (96 hour) LC50 = 8.2 mg/l
MOBILITY: Not available
PERSISTENCE AND BIODEGRADABILITY: Not available
POTENTIAL TO BIOACCUMULATE: Not available
REMARKS: Do not release large amounts of Ammonia to the atmosphere. It does not contain any Class
I or Class II ozone depleting chemicals.
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SECTION 13. DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS
UNUSED PRODUCT / EMPTY CYLINDER: Return cylinder and unused product to supplier. Do not
attempt to dispose of unused product.
DISPOSAL: Small amounts of Ammonia may be disposed of by discharge into water. A ratio of ten parts
water to one part Ammonia should be sufficient for disposal. The subsequent solution of ammonium
hydroxide can be neutralized and should be properly disposed of in accordance with regulations.
SECTION 14. TRANSPORT INFORMATION
DOT SHIPPING NAME: Ammonia, Anhydrous
HAZARD CLASS: 2.2
IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: UN1005
ADDITIONAL DESCRIPTION: Inhalation Hazard
SHIPPING LABEL(s): Nonflammable gas
PLACARD (When required): Nonflammable gas
ADDITIONAL MARKING: Ammonia is also a hazardous substance regulated by the EPA. When shipping
quantities of 100 lbs. or more in one cylinder, add the prefix 鈥淩Q鈥? to the DOT shipping name on the
documentation and clearly mark 鈥淩Q鈥? on the cylinder near the label.
SPECIAL SHIPPING INFORMATION: Cylinders should be transported in a secure upright position in a
well-ventilated truck. Never transport in passenger compartment of a vehicle. Ensure cylinder valve is
properly closed, valve outlet cap has been reinstalled, and valve protection cap is secured before shipping
cylinder.
CAUTION: Compressed gas cylinders shall not be refilled except by qualified producers of compressed
gases. Shipment of a compressed gas cylinder which has not been filled by the owner or with the owner鈥檚
written consent is a violation of Federal law (49 CFR 173.301).
NORTH AMERICAN EMERGENCY RESPONSE GUIDEBOOK NUMBER (NAERG #): 125
SECTION 15. REGULATORY INFORMATION
U.S. FEDERAL REGULATIONS:
EPA - ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
CERCLA: Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980
(40 CFR Parts 117 and 302)
Reportable Quantity (RQ): 100 lbs (45.4 kgs)
SARA TITLE III: Superfund Amendment and Reauthorization Act
SECTIONS 302/304: Emergency Planning and Notification (40 CFR Part 355)
Extremely Hazardous Substances: Ammonia is listed.
Threshold Planning Quantity (TPQ): 500 lbs (227 kgs)
Reportable Quantity (RQ): 100 lbs (45.4 kgs)
SECTIONS 311/312: Hazardous Chemical Reporting (40 CFR Part 370)
IMMEDIATE HEALTH: Yes PRESSURE: Yes
DELAYED HEALTH: No REACTIVITY: No
FIRE: No
SECTION 313: Toxic Chemical Release Reporting (40 CFR Part 372)
Ammonia is on the list of chemicals which may require reporting under Section 313.
CLEAN AIR ACT:
SECTION 112 (r): Risk Management Programs for Chemical Accidental Release
(40 CFR PART 68)
Ammonia is listed as a regulated substance.
Threshold Quantity (TQ): 10,000 lbs (4535 kgs)
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TSCA: Toxic Substance Control Act
Ammonia is listed on the TSCA inventory.
OSHA - OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION:
29 CFR Part 1910.119: Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals
Ammonia is listed as a highly hazardous chemical.
Threshold Quantity (TQ): 10,000 lbs (4535 kgs)
STATE REGULATIONS:
CALIFORNIA:
Accidental Release Prevention Program: Threshold Quantity (TQ): 100 lbs (45.4 kgs)
Proposition 65: This product is not a listed substance which the State of California requires
warning under this statute.
NEW JERSEY:
Toxic Catastrophe Prevention Act: Registration Quantity (RQ): 5200 lbs (2358 kgs)
SECTION 16. OTHER INFORMATION
NFPA RATINGS: HMIS RATINGS:
HEALTH: =3 HEALTH: =3
FLAMMABILITY: = 1* FLAMMABILITY: =1
REACTIVITY: =0 REACTIVITY: =0
SPECIAL:
* NFPA rates this gas a 1 as opposed to a 4 because it is 鈥渄ifficult to burn鈥?.
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