ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
AMMONIA SOLUTION (NH4OH)
SYNONYMS
Ammonium hydroxide, aqua ammonia.
CHARACTERISTICS
Clear, colourless liquid with strong pungent, intensely
irritating odour.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Ammonia solution is incompatible with acids and oxidising agents
- can be a violent reaction. Can form explosive compounds with
silver salts. attacks copper, nickel, zinc and their alloys,
rubber, and aluminium. Can react violently or form explosive
compounds with halogens, mercury, organics in general and
hypochlorites. Heating produces toxic fumes of nitrogen and
flammable hydrogen.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
This substance has a moderate fire and explosion hazard when
exposed to flame in an enclosed space. It is a severe irritant
and is corrosive. Acute exposure of the vapour to the eyes will
cause irritation of the cornea and tearing. A liquid splash to
the eye will cause severe burns, haemorrhage, swollen eyelids
and partial or total blindness if not treated immediately. Skin
contact may cause burns with localised irritation. Inhalation of
the vapour causes severe irritation to the respiratory tract
with convulsive coughing. Prolonged exposure may lead to
permanent lung damage. Brief exposure to concentrations of 5,000
ppm have caused death. Ingestion will cause severe local burns
and coughing, vomiting and shock.
HANDLING and GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Use a fume hood.
Avoid skin and eye contact.
Avoid inhalation of the vapour.
Avoid ingestion.
Keep away from heat or naked flames.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
Use a fume hood to keep the level of exposure below the
recommended threshold limit, i.e. 25 ppm or 18 mg/m3 (NH & MRC).
If the level of exposure is expected to exceed this limit then a
respirator is recommended. Short term inhalation limit is 50 ppm
for 5 minutes. Wear protective clothing. A long sleeved
laboratory coat or gown, rubber gloves, safety goggles and a
face mask as a minimum standard. If a splash is likely to occur
then a full face shield should be used.
TREATMENTS
Skin remove contaminated clothing and immediately wash the
affected area with large amounts of water until all evidence of
the chemical has been removed (approximately 15 minutes). If
irritation persists or burns develop seek medical attention.
Eyes immediately wash the affected eye with large amounts of
water until all evidence of the chemical has been removed
(approximately 15 minutes). Seek medical advice.
Inhalation remove from the area of exposure to fresh air. If
the patient has ceased breathing apply artificial respiration.
Keep warm and allow to rest. Seek immediate medical advice.
Ingestion wash out the mouth thoroughly with water and give
water or milk to drink. DO NOT induce vomiting. Seek immediate
medical advice.
STORAGE
Store in a cool, dry, well ventilated atmosphere away from heat,
direct sunlight and incompatible substances.
DISPOSAL
Extinguish ignition sources. Wear rubber gloves, large face
shield, all purpose or special canister respirator for ammonia
and laboratory coat.
SPILLS
Dilute and neutralise with 6M hydrochloric acid, mop up into a
large bucket. Discharge to sewer with a large excess of water.
PACKAGE LOTS: Pour into a large tank of water and neutralise.
Discharge into sewer with a large excess of water.
ENVIRONMENT
Ammonia vapour is a pollutant and should be contained.
Concentrated solutions are harmful to aquatic life.
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