When handling ammonia, you should take the following precautions:

 When handling ammonia, you should take the following precautions:

Personal protective equipment

Wear chemical-resistant gloves, goggles or a face shield, and a chemical-resistant apron or suit. 

Ventilation

Ensure that facilities have proper ventilation to prevent hazardous concentrations of ammonia gas from building up in the air. 

Monitor ammonia levels

Exposure to 300 parts per million (ppm) of ammonia is immediately dangerous to life and health. If there is a possibility of exposure above 300 ppm, use a NIOSH/MSHA approved self-contained breathing apparatus. 

Regular inspection and maintenance

Regularly inspect and maintain equipment and facilities to prevent leaks and other safety hazards. 

Check for leaks and corrosion

Check for leaks and premature corrosion. 

Safe field practices

Ensure that protective equipment is available where ammonia is handled or applied. 

Ammonia is corrosive to the skin, eyes, and lungs, and can cause respiratory distress, eye irritation/burning, and corrosive internal damage.

Here are some ammonia toxicity levels and their associated health effects:

25 ppm or less: Adverse effects are unlikely 

25–50 ppm: A detectable odor, but adverse effects are unlikely 

50–100 ppm: Mild irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat 

140 ppm: Moderate eye irritation 

400 ppm: Moderate throat irritation 

500 ppm: Immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) 

700 ppm: Immediate eye injury 

1000 ppm: Directly caustic to airway 

1700 ppm: Laryngospasm 

2500–4500 ppm: Fatality after 30 minutes of exposure 

5000 ppm: Rapidly fatal exposure 

The US National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends that the maximum permissible exposure limit (PEL) for ammonia in the workplace is 25 parts per million (ppm) for an 8-hour workday. The short-term exposure limit (STEL) is 35 ppm for exposures longer than 15 minutes. 

ous to life and health (IDLH) concentration of ammonia is 300 parts per million (ppm): 

Here are some other ammonia exposure levels and their effects:

5 ppm: The pungent smell of ammonia is detectable

100 ppm: Can be tolerated for several hours

1700 ppm: Causes coughing, laryngospasm, and edema of the glottic region

2500–4500 ppm: Can be fatal in about 30 minutes

5000 ppm: Usually produces rapid respiratory arrest

10,000 ppm: Anhydrous ammonia can cause skin damage 

Ammonia is a high health hazard because it can corrode the skin, eyes, and lungs. It can also be flammable at concentrations of 15–28% by volume in air. 

To prevent exposure to ammonia, you can wear personal protective equipment (PPE) like rubber gloves, goggles, and a chemical cartridge respirator. If ammonia levels are expected to be above 250 ppm, you should use a fully encapsulated suit with a self-contained breathing supply.