Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Ammonia (NH3) Leak Initial Response

This document outlines the required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for initial response and first line break procedures involving ammonia (NH3) leaks or releases. It emphasizes respiratory protection, skin and eye protection, and chemical resistance to ensure the safety of personnel responding to such incidents.

Respiratory Protection

Appropriate respiratory protection is crucial when responding to ammonia leaks. The selection of respiratory protection depends on the concentration of ammonia in the air.

The following respiratory protection is recommended based on ammonia concentration:

Up to 250 ppm: Any chemical cartridge respirator with cartridge(s) providing protection against ammonia; or Any supplied-air respirator. Eye protection may be required as ammonia is reported to cause eye irritation or damage.
Up to 300 ppm: (APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode; Any powered, air- purifying respirator with cartridge(s) providing protection against ammonia. (APF = 50) Any chemical cartridge respirator with a full facepiece and cartridge(s) providing protection against ammonia; Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin- style, front- or back-mounted canister providing protection against ammonia; Any self- contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece; Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece.

Note: APF = Assigned Protection Factor

For situations where the ammonia concentration is unknown or potentially high, a positive pressure, full-facepiece self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) or a positive pressure supplied air respirator with an escape SCBA (NIOSH approved) should be used. This level of protection is consistent with Level B protection, where the highest level of respiratory protection is necessary but a lesser level of skin protection is needed.

Eye and Face Protection

Eye protection is essential to prevent eye irritation or damage from ammonia exposure.

Wear chemical safety goggles.
A face shield (with safety goggles) may also be necessary.

Skin Protection

Skin protection is necessary to prevent skin contact with ammonia, which can cause irritation and chemical burns.

Wear chemical protective clothing e.g. gloves, aprons, boots.
In some operations: wear a chemical protective, full-body encapsulating suit and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

Suitable materials for skin protection include:

Butyl rubber
Viton
Viton®/butyl rubber
Trellchem® HPS
Trellchem® VPS
Tychem® TK

Additional PPE Considerations

Depending on the specific scenario and potential for exposure, consider the following:

Hooded chemical-resistant clothing (overalls and long-sleeved jacket; coveralls; one or two-piece chemical-splash suit; disposable chemical-resistant overalls).
Coveralls.
Gloves, outer, chemical-resistant.
Gloves, inner, chemical-resistant.
Boots, outer, chemical-resistant steel toe and shank.
Boot-covers, outer, chemical-resistant (disposable).
Hard hat.
Face shield.

Level of Protection

The selection of PPE should align with the appropriate level of protection as defined by safety regulations. These levels are generally categorized as Level A, Level B, Level C, and Level D. For ammonia leaks, Level A or Level B protection is typically required for initial response, depending on the concentration and potential for exposure.

Level A:

Should be selected when the greatest level of skin, respiratory, and eye protection is required.
Positive pressure, full face-piece self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), or positive pressure supplied air respirator with escape SCBA, approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
Totally-encapsulating chemical-protective suit.
Coveralls.
Long underwear.
Gloves, outer, chemical-resistant.
Gloves, inner, chemical-resistant.
Boots, chemical-resistant, steel toe and shank.
Hard hat (under suit).
Disposable protective suit, gloves and boots (depending on suit construction, may be worn over totally-encapsulating suit).

Level B:

The highest level of respiratory protection is necessary but a lesser level of skin protection is needed.
Positive pressure, full-facepiece self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), or positive pressure supplied air respirator with escape SCBA (NIOSH approved).
Hooded chemical-resistant clothing (overalls and long-sleeved jacket; coveralls; one or two- piece chemical-splash suit; disposable chemical-resistant overalls).
Coveralls.
Gloves, outer, chemical-resistant.
Gloves, inner, chemical-resistant.
Boots, outer, chemical-resistant steel toe and shank.
Boot-covers, outer, chemical-resistant (disposable).
Hard hat.
Face shield.

Important Considerations:

Ensure that all PPE is NIOSH-approved.
Regularly inspect PPE for damage and replace as needed.
Properly train personnel on the correct use, donning, and doffing procedures for all PPE.
Consider the effects of PPE on heat stress and task duration.
In some cases layers of PPE may be necessary to provide sufficient protection, or to protect expensive PPE inner garments, suits or equipment.

Engineering Controls

In addition to PPE, engineering controls should be implemented to minimize the risk of ammonia exposure. These controls include:

Use a local exhaust ventilation and enclosure, if necessary, to control the amount of ammonia in the air.
Use stringent control measures such as process enclosure to prevent product release into the workplace.
For large scale use, use non-sparking ventilation systems, approved explosion-proof equipment, and intrinsically safe electrical systems.
Use an automatic leak detection system.
Exhaust directly to the outside, taking any necessary precautions for environmental protection.
Provide eyewash and safety shower if contact or splash hazard exists.

First Aid Measures

Inhalation:

Take precautions to ensure your own safety before attempting rescue (e.g., wear appropriate protective equipment). Move victim to fresh air. If breathing is difficult, trained personnel should administer emergency oxygen. DO NOT allow victim to move about unnecessarily. Symptoms of pulmonary edema may be delayed. Get medical attention immediately. Treatment is urgently required. Transport to a hospital.

Skin Contact:

Gas: flush with gently flowing water for 5 minutes. If irritation or pain persists, see a medical professional. Liquefied gas: quickly remove victim from source of contamination. DO NOT attempt to rewarm the affected area on site. DO NOT rub area, flush with water, or apply direct heat. Gently remove clothing or jewelry that may restrict circulation. Carefully cut around clothing that sticks to the skin and remove the rest of the garment. Loosely cover the affected area with a sterile dressing. Do not remove frozen clothing from frostbitten areas. If frostbite has NOT occurred, immediately and thoroughly wash contaminated skin with soap and water. DO NOT allow victim to drink alcohol or smoke. Get medical attention immediately. Treatment is urgently required. Transport to a hospital.

Eye Contact:

If eye tissue is frozen, get medical attention immediately. Gas: immediately flush the contaminated eye(s) with gently flowing water for 15 minutes, occasionally lifting the upper and lower eyelids. If irritation or pain persists, see a doctor. Liquefied gas: move victim to fresh air. Immediately flush with gently flowing water. DO NOT attempt to rewarm. Cover both eyes with a sterile dressing. DO NOT allow victim to drink alcohol or smoke. Get medical attention immediately.

Ingestion: Not applicable (gas).

First Aid Comments: Some of the first aid procedures recommended here require advanced first aid training. All first aid procedures should be periodically reviewed by a medical professional familiar with the chemical and its conditions of use in the workplace.

Disclaimer: This information is intended as a general guide and should be supplemented with site-specific risk assessments and training. Always refer to the latest safety data sheets (SDS) and relevant regulations for detailed information.