Washington — Miners shouldn’t solely rely on their sense of smell when continuously monitoring for ammonia, the Mine Safety and Health Administration emphasizes in a recent safety alert.
A flammable, colorless gas, ammonia has multiple uses on mine sites, including for chemical processing, refrigeration systems, emissions and as a neutralizing agent. MSHA warns that exposure can stem from equipment malfunctions, leaks, chemical mixing or improper handling.
High levels of exposure can lead to serious health effects involving the eyes, lungs and skin. Although miners may at first detect the sharp odor of ammonia, the gas eventually can numb the sense of smell, MSHA says.
The agency recommends monitoring personal exposure levels through industrial hygiene sampling equipment. Also, ensure proper ventilation in mines where ammonia naturally occurs and use an ammonia-specific filter cartridge for respirators, when necessary.
Move anyone who inhales ammonia to fresh air, MSHA says.
If liquid ammonia contacts a person’s body:
- Remove contaminated clothing and rinse with water for at least 15 minutes.
- Seek medical aid immediately.
- Revisit required site-specific hazard training, including for hazardous materials, warning signals and evacuation procedures.
Ammonia has a Threshold Limit Value-Time-Weighted Average of 25 parts per million and is immediately dangerous to life and health at 300 ppm.
