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Ammonia is a gas that occurs naturally in the environment and is also manmade. Liquid ammonia is found in many household cleaners. Ammonia is considered a high health hazard because it is corrosive to the skin, eyes, and lungs. Exposure to 300 parts per million (ppm) is immediately dangerous to life and health. Ammonia is also flammable at concentrations of approximately 15 percent to 28 percent by volume in air. When mixed with lubricating oils, its flammable concentration range is increased. It can explode if released in an enclosed space with a source of ignition present, or if a vessel containing anhydrous ammonia is exposed to fire. Ammonia has a low odor threshold (20 ppm), so most people will seek relief at much lower concentrations.
Accidental releases of ammonia from refrigeration facilities have resulted in both injuries and deaths to employees. These injuries and deaths are caused from contact with both liquid and vapor forms of ammonia. Because refrigeration systems operate at elevated pressures, additional care must be taken to maintain and operate these systems so as to prevent releases with potentially catastrophic consequences.
Ammonia refrigeration is addressed in OSHA standards for general industry.
The following standards relate to ammonia refrigeration:
Employers are required to: