Ammonia is a common hazardous chemical used in all kinds of settings. In hospitals, laboratories and other healthcare facilities (my professional backyard), ammonia is contained in compounds called quaternary ammonium salts, which because of their strong disinfectant properties are used as high-level cleaners and disinfectants on floors and on certain medical instruments prior to sterilization. Ammonia is also found in hospital laboratories in the form of ammonium hydroxide. Of course, workers in other industries can come into contact with ammonia. Ammonia is a component of cleaning solutions used at industrial and residential settings for cleaning glass and other surfaces.

Here is a brief explanation of what your workers should know about the properties of ammonia to protect themselves at work and at home.

The Harmful Effects of Ammonia

People who work with or near ammonia or ammonia-containing materials need to be aware of the hazards associated with the chemical. Exposure to ammonia can cause:

• Headaches;
• Loss of sense of smell;
• Nausea and vomiting;
• Irritation to nose and lungs;
• Burns on the skin; and
• Burns in the eyes, sometimes leading to permanent eye damage.

Respiratory Protection

One of the key ways that a person may be exposed to ammonia is through inhalation. The resulting lung irritation can lead to coughing and shortness of breath. Higher levels of exposure can result in the buildup of fluid in the lungs, which may be extremely harmful and even result in death. Breathing in ammonia has been linked to cases of asthmatic sufferers experiencing difficulty breathing, particularly when they exert themselves.

To prevent breathing in ammonia fumes, ensure that products containing ammonia are used in an open area that is well-ventilated. If that's not possible, then a respirator is required. Ammonia is different from other chemicals, and if a respirator is required, then special cartridges are needed to ensure proper protection.

Protection for Skin and Eyes

Proper personal protective equipment is also required when working with ammonia to protect the eyes and skin from burns. This includes:

• Thick rubber gloves;
• Long-sleeved shirts; and
• Safety goggles.

Heed the Warning

The good news about ammonia is that it has a very strong, pungent odor. Ammonia fumes can be smelled at a level that is 10 times lower than the OSHA permissible exposure level. In other words, ammonia can be smelled at a concentration of 5 parts per million parts of air, while the permissible exposure level is 50 parts per million parts of air.

Ammonia's recognizable odor serves as a warning mechanism that can enhance the safety of those working with the chemical. If ammonia fumes are present, a person will smell them and can take advantage of the warning to take the necessary steps to protect against inhalation. While this won't protect against skin burns or eye irritation, it should act as a reminder that other types of personal protective equipment are now required.

Conclusion

Ammonia is a common component of industry and home cleaning solutions and it's therefore easy for people to become complacent about handling it. But it can cause harm in many ways. Share this article with your workers to help keep them safe both on and off the job.

MUST-SEE TV

Dwight: Nick O'Shay's Twin Brother?

For Safety Trainers

By Catherine Jones

SafetyXChange doesn't normally recommend TV shows. But we'll make an exception for the upcoming episode of the NBC sitcom "The Office."

According to the NBC primetime schedule, in this week's episode, entitled "Safety Training," Michael (Golden Globe winner Steve Carell) and Dwight (Rainn Wilson) will be "on a mission to illuminate the true dangers of the workplace" in preparation for the office's safety training day. Should be interesting.

The show is scheduled to air on Thursday, April 12, 2007, at 8:30 pm Eastern. If you decide to watch it, please let us know what you think of the episode and how it compares to "the real thing."

WARNING FROM SEARS

Craftsman Logo Label a Hazard

By Catherine Jones

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission has released a hazard warning regarding the Sears Craftsman Circular Saws.

Sears has received two reports of the Craftsman logo label interfering with the proper operation of the lower blade guard, posing a laceration hazard. In one incident, the user required 12 stitches.

Consumers are advised to immediately remove the Craftsman label. Proper removal instructions - as well as model numbers of products affected by this warning - can be found on the Sears website here.

The original CPSC notice can be found here.

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