Material Safety Data Sheet
This material is hazardous according to criteria of NOHSC.
Classified as Dangerous Goods by the criteria of the Australian Dangerous Goods Code (ADG Code) for Transport by
Road and Rail.
1. Identification of the substance/preparation and of the company/undertaking
Product Name: BIG N
Synonyms: Anhydrous ammonia; liquefied ammonia gas.
Supplier: Incitec Pivot Limited
ABN: 42 004 080 264
Street Address: 70 Southbank Boulevard,
Southbank, Victoria 3006
Australia
Telephone Number: 1800 333 197 (toll free)
Facsimile: +61 3 8695 4419
Emergency Telephone: 1800 033 111 (ALL HOURS)
2. Composition/information on ingredients
Product Description: Fertilizer; preparation of fertilizers, chemical synthesis; condensation catalyst; latex
preservative; manufacture of explosives; rocket fuel.
Colourless gas with a sharp, intensely irritating odour. Liquid under pressure
3. Hazards identification
Risk Phrases: Flammable. Toxic by inhalation. Causes burns. Risk of serious damage to eyes. Very toxic to
aquatic organisms.
Poisons Schedule: S6 Poison.
4. First-aid measures
For advice, contact a Poisons Information Centre (Phone eg. Australia 131 126; New Zealand 0 800 764766) or a doctor.
Urgent hospital treatment is likely to be needed.
Inhalation: Remove victim from area of exposure - avoid becoming a casualty. Remove contaminated clothing
and loosen remaining clothing. Allow patient to assume most comfortable position and keep warm.
Keep at rest until fully recovered. If patient finds breathing difficult and develops a bluish
discolouration of the skin (which suggests a lack of oxygen in the blood - cyanosis), ensure airways
are clear of any obstruction and have a qualified person give oxygen through a face mask. Apply
artificial respiration if patient is not breathing. Seek immediate medical advice.
Product Name: BIG N
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Material Safety Data Sheet
Skin Contact: If spilt on large areas of skin or hair, immediately drench with running water and remove clothing.
Continue to wash skin and hair with plenty of water (and soap if material is insoluble) until advised
to stop by the Poisons Information Centre or a doctor.
Eye Contact: Immediately wash in and around the eye area with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes.
Eyelids to be held apart. Remove clothing if contaminated and wash skin. Urgently seek medical
assistance. Transport to hospital or medical centre.
Ingestion: Immediately rinse mouth with water. If swallowed, do NOT induce vomiting. Give a glass of water.
Get to a doctor or hospital quickly.
Notes to physician: Treat symptomatically. Delayed pulmonary oedema may result. Following severe exposure, the
patient should be kept under medical supervision for at least 48 hours.
Can cause corneal burns.
5. Fire-fighting measures
Specific Hazards: Combustible gas. May form flammable vapour mixtures with air. Avoid all ignition
sources. All potential sources of ignition (open flames, pilot lights, furnaces, spark
producing switches and electrical equipment etc) must be eliminated both in and near
the work area. Do NOT smoke. Flammable concentrations of ammonia gas can
accumulate in the vapour space of storage containers/vessels. Caution should be
exercised when opening.
Fire-fighting advice: Ammonia: The main products of combustion in air, at or above 780 掳C, are nitrogen
and water with small amounts of nitrogen dioxide and ammonium nitrate. Ammonia
decomposes into flammable hydrogen gas at approximately 450 掳C. May form
flammable mixtures in air. The presence of oil or other combustible material will
increase the fire hazard. Fatalaties have occured as a result of the explosive nature of
the ammonia gas. If involved in a fire, keep containers cool with water spray. If safe
to do so, remove containers from path of fire. Fire-fighters to wear full body protective
clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus. Consider evacuation.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water fog (or if unavailable fine water spray), foam, dry agent (carbon dioxide, dry
chemical powder). Water spray can be used to bring down the vapour but should not
be sprayed on pools of liquid ammonia.
6. Accidental release measures
Shut off all possible sources of ignition. Avoid breathing in vapours. Work up wind or increase ventilation. Clear area of all
unprotected personnel. Wear protective equipment to prevent skin and eye contamination and the inhalation of vapours.
Stop leak if safe to do so. If contamination of sewers or waterways has occured advise emergency services or State
Department of Agriculture.
Additional information:
GAS: For a small gas leak, increase ventilation and allow gas to vent to a safe area. For larger gas leaks, use fire hoses
equiped with fog nozzles to disperse gas down-wind. Do NOT spray water directly on the leak or ammonia container.
LIQUID: Large volumes of gass will evaporate from a liquid spill. For small liquid spills, increase ventilation and allow the
liquid to volatilise to safe area. For large spills, cover liquid with protein foam 150 mm thick. DO NOT HOSE LIQUID
AMMONIA TO DRAIN; contact with water will accelerate vapourisation due to liberation of heat upon mixing with water.
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Material Safety Data Sheet
7. Handling and storage
Handling advice: Avoid skin and eye contact and breathing in vapour. Keep out of reach of children.
Storage advice: Store ammonia in a cool, well ventilated area, away from sources of heat or ignition and foodstuffs.
Store away from oxidising agents, boron halides, acids, acid anhydrides, acid chlorides, halogens
(eg. chlorine), interhalogens, heavy metals and their salts, ethylene oxide, hypochlorous acid and
acetaldehyde. Check cylinders regularly for leaks.
The transport of liquefied ammonia in a tank or bulk container made of quenched and tempered steel
is prohibited unless the liquefied ammonia contains not less than 0.2% water mass. May be an
explosion hazard, expecially in confined spaces.
Ensure pressure gauges and fittings are not made of copper, zinc or alloys (eg. brass).
8. Exposure controls/personal protection
Ammonia: 8hr TWA = 17 mg/m3 (25 ppm), 15 min STEL = 24 mg/m3 (35 ppm)
As published by the National Occupational Health and Safety Commission.
TWA - The time-weighted average airborne concentration over an eight-hour working day, for a five-day working week
over an entire working life.
STEL (Short Term Exposure Limit) 鈥? the average airborne concentration over a 15 minute period which should not be
exceeded at any time during a normal eight hour work day. According to current knowledge this concentration should
neither impair the health of, nor cause undue discomfort to, nearly all workers.
These Exposure Standards are guides to be used in the control of occupational health hazards. All atmospheric
contamination should be kept to as low a level as is workable. These exposure standards should not be used as fine
dividing lines between safe and dangerous concentrations of chemicals. They are not a measure of relative toxicity.
Engineering Control Measures:
Ensure ventilation is adequate to maintain air concentrations below Exposure Standards. Use with local exhaust
ventilation or while wearing air supplied mask. Ammonia gas is generally lighter than air and will disperse under normal
conditions. However, when ammonia liquid contacts air, the gas produced may be heavier than air. Prevent
concentration in hollows or sumps. Do NOT enter confined spaces where vapour may have collected. An asphyxiant gas
which can lead to the reduction of the oxygen concentration by displacement or dilution. The minimum oxygen content in
air should be 18% by volume under normal atmospheric pressure.
Personal Protective Equipment:
Orica Personal Protection Guide No. 1, 1998: J - OVERALLS, RUBBER BOOTS, AIR MASK , GLOVES (Long), APRON.
GENERAL: Avoid all contact. Ensure safety shower and eyewash station is close at hand. Persons who could be subject
to ammonia exposure must not wear contact lenses. Always wash hands before smoking, eating, drinking or using the
toilet. Wash contaminated clothing and other protective equipment before storage or re-use.
Product Name: BIG N
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Material Safety Data Sheet
EYE PROTECTION: Wear gas tight goggles which have a seal between the face and the frame. A full face shield shall
only be worn to supplement the protection provided by the gas tight goggles.
SKIN PROTECTION: Wear coveralls, or full length trousers with a long sleeved shirt, with gloves and boots. Available
information suggests that gloves made from chlorobutyl-proofed fabric or butyl rubber should be suitable for intermittent
contact. However, due to variations in glove construction and local conditions, a final assessment should be made by the
user. A complete encapsulating suit is recommended for heavy exposures.
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION: Use with adequate ventilation. Up to 250 ppm - wear vapour respirator with type K
cartridge or air supplied mask meeting the requirements of AS/NZS 1715 and AS/NZS 1716. Greater than 250 ppm - wear
air supplied full face mask meeting the requirements of AS/NZS 1715 and AS/NZS 1716.
9. Physical and chemical properties
Physical state: Gas . Liquid under pressure.
Colour: Colourless
Odour: Intensely irritating ammoniacal odour.
Odour Threshold: 5-53 ppm.
Molecular Formula: NH3
Solubility: Soluble in water. Soluble in alcohol and ether.
Specific Gravity: 0.68 (-33 掳C)
Relative Vapour Density (air=1): 0.6
Vapour Pressure (20 掳C): 882 kPa
Flash Point (掳C): N Av
Flammability Limits (%): 15.5 - 25
Autoignition Temperature (掳C): 669
% Volatile by Volume: 100
Solubility in water (g/L): N Av
Boiling Point/Range (掳C): -33.4
Decomposition Point (掳C): N Av
Sublimation Point (掳C): N App
pH: 11.6 (1M @ 25 掳C)
Viscosity: N Av
Evaporation Rate: N Av
Freezing Point/Range (掳C): -77.7
10. Stability and reactivity
Stability: Ammonia dissolves exothermically in water. Can react explosively with chlorine and hypochlorites or other
strong oxidising agents. Corrosive to copper, zinc and their alloys. Critical pressure = 11.4 mPa.
11. Toxicological information
No adverse health effects expected if the product is handled in accordance with this Safety Data Sheet and the product
label. Symptoms or effects that may arise if the product is mishandled and overexposure occurs are:
Product Name: BIG N
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Material Safety Data Sheet
Ingestion: Not a likely route of exposure, however, swallowing liquid will result in freeze burns of the mouth, throat
and stomach.
Eye contact: A severe eye irritant. Corrosive to eyes; contact can cause corneal burns. Contamination of eyes can
result in permanent injury. Liquid splashes or spray may cause freeze burns to the eye.
Skin contact: Liquid splashes or spray may cause freeze burns. Contact with skin will result in severe irritation.
Corrosive to skin - may cause skin burns.
Inhalation: Material is irritant to the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract (airways). Exposure to concentrations
above the Exposure Standard of 25 ppm may cause irritation to the eyes, nose and throat. Higher
concentrations may cause breathing difficulty, chest pain, bronchospasm, pink frothy sputum and
pulmonary oedema. This may further predispose the patient to the development of acute bronchitis and
pneumonia.
Long Term Effects:
Chronic exposure to ammonia may cause chemical pneumonitis and kidney damage.
Toxicological Data:
Inhalation LC50 (rat): 2000 ppm/4hr.
SKIN: Irritant (human).
EYES: Severe irritant (human).
Ammonia: Lowest Published Lethal Concentration (human) = 5,000 ppm/5 min.
Irritation of the respiratory tract and conjunctivae was found in workers inhaling 100 ppm ammonia and 20 ppm caused
complaints and discomfort to unacclimatitised workers.
Studies on the effect on man of exposures in the 5-50 ppm range are few, however general field experience in a large
number of workers exposed to ammonia from blueprinting and copying machines indicates a maximum acceptable
concentration without severe complaints of 20-25 ppm.
12. Ecotoxicological information
Avoid contaminating waterways.
Environmental fate, persistence and degradation:
Ammonia is strongly adsorbed to soil and sediment particles and colloids in water.
Aquatic toxicity:
Very toxic to aquatic organisms. Ammonia is readily oxidised to nitrite which is also very toxic to fish.
24hr LC50 (rainbow trout - fertilized egg) = >3.58 mg/L.
24hr LC50 (rainbow trout - alevins 0-50 days old) = >3.58 mg/L.
24hr LC50 (rainbow trout - fry 85 days old) = 0.068 mg/L.
24hr LC50 (rainbow trout - adult): 0.097 mg/L.
48hr LC50 (Daphnia magna): 24 - 189 mg/L.
Product Name: BIG N
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Material Safety Data Sheet
96hr LC50 (rainbow trout): 0.53 mg/L.
Terrestrial toxicity: Expected to be harmful to terrestrial species.
13. Disposal considerations
Refer to Waste Management Authority. Close valves of empty containers. Return empty containers to supplier using the
same precautions as with filled containers.
14. Transport information
Road and Rail Transport
Classified as Dangerous Goods by the criteria of the Australian Dangerous Goods Code (ADG Code) for Transport by
Road and Rail.
UN No: 1005
Class-primary 2.3 Toxic Gas
Subrisk 1: 8 Corrosive
Proper Shipping Name: AMMONIA, ANHYDROUS
Hazchem Code: 2RE
Marine Transport
Classified as Dangerous Goods by the criteria of the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code) for
transport by sea.
UN No: 1005
Class-primary: 2.3 Toxic Gas
Subrisk 1: 8 Corrosive
Proper Shipping Name: AMMONIA, ANHYDROUS
Air Transport
Classified as Dangerous Goods by the criteria of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods
Regulations for transport by air.
UN No: 1005
Class-primary: 2.3 Toxic Gas
Subrisk 1: 8 Corrosive
Proper Shipping Name: AMMONIA, ANHYDROUS
15. Regulatory information
Product Name: BIG N
Substance No: 000404366901 Issued: 29/06/2004 Version: 2
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Material Safety Data Sheet
Classification: This material is hazardous according to criteria of NOHSC.
T : Toxic
C: Corrosive
Risk Phrase(s): R10: Flammable.
R23: Toxic by inhalation.
R34: Causes burns.
R41: Risk of serious damage to eyes.
Safety Phrase(s): S1/2: Keep locked up and out of the reach of children.
S9: Keep container in a well ventilated place.
S16: Keep away from sources of ignition - No smoking.
S26: In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical
advice.
S36/37/39: Wear suitable protective clothing, gloves and eye/face protection.
S45: In case of accident or if you feel unwell, seek medical advice immediately (show the label
whenever possible).
S61: Avoid release to the environment. Refer to special instructions Safety Data Sheets.
Poisons Schedule: S6 Poison.
This material is listed on the Australian Inventory of Chemical Substances (AICS).
16. Other Information
BIBRA Toxicity Profile - Ammonia 1986. Orica Chemicals Handbook Ammonia. Orica Australia Operations Pty. Ltd. 1993.
In: 'Quick Selection Guide to Chemical Protective Clothing'. 3rd Edition. Eds. Forsberg, K. and Mansdon, S.Z. Van
Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 1997.
CC Info. Disc. Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, Ontario, 2001.
In: 'The Dictionary of Substances and their Effects'. Ed.Gangolli S. Royal Society of Chemistry, 1999.
In: `Handbook of Environmental Data on Organic Chemicals'. 3rd Edition. Ed. Verschueren. Van Nostrand Reinhold
Company, New York 1996.
Incitec Pivot Limited Contact Point
MSDS - (03) 8695 4400
Reason(s) for Issue:
Product name change
This MSDS summarises to our best knowledge at the date of issue, the chemical health and safety hazards of the material
and general guidance on how to safely handle the material in the workplace. Since Incitec Pivot Limited cannot anticipate
or control the conditions under which the product may be used, each user must, prior to usage, assess and control the
Product Name: BIG N
Substance No: 000404366901 Issued: 29/06/2004 Version: 2
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Material Safety Data Sheet
risks arising from its use of the material.
If clarification or further information is needed, the user should contact their Incitec Pivot representative or Incitec Pivot
Limited at the contact details on page 1.
Incitec Pivot Limited's responsibility for the material as sold is subject to the terms and conditions of sale, a copy of which
is available upon request.
Product Name: BIG N
Substance No: 000404366901 Issued: 29/06/2004 Version: 2
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