R-717 · AmmoniaAlways freeWorks offline

Emergency ammonia reference.

Critical safety information for technicians working with ammonia (R-717) refrigeration systems. This information is always free and always accessible in the RefriTech Pro app, regardless of subscription tier or network status.

Warning

Ammonia (NH3) is a toxic, corrosive gas. Exposure above IDLH concentrations (300 ppm) is immediately dangerous to life and health. Always follow your facility's Emergency Action Plan and Process Safety Management procedures. This reference is a quick-access aid and does not replace proper training, manufacturer guidelines, or OSHA/EPA regulatory requirements.

N°001Thresholds & levels

Exposure

TWA25 ppm8-hour time-weighted average (OSHA PEL)

STEL35 ppm15-minute short-term exposure limit (ACGIH TLV)

IDLH300 ppmImmediately dangerous to life and health (NIOSH)

LEL15%Lower explosive limit in air (150,000 ppm)

UEL28%Upper explosive limit in air (280,000 ppm)

Response by concentration

Safe

<25 ppm

Normal operating conditions. Standard PPE. Monitor continuously.

Caution

25-35 ppm

TWA exceeded. Increase ventilation. Don respiratory protection. Investigate source.

Warning

35-150 ppm

STEL exceeded. Full SCBA required. Evacuate non-essential personnel. Activate leak response.

Danger

150-300 ppm

Approaching IDLH. Full SCBA and chemical suit required. Evacuate area. Emergency response only.

IDLH

>300 ppm

Immediately dangerous to life and health. Full evacuation. Hazmat response only. No entry without Level A protection.

N°002First aid procedures

Response

Eye contact

Flush eyes immediately with large quantities of clean water for at least 15 minutes
Hold eyelids open to ensure thorough flushing
Remove contact lenses if present and easily removable after initial flushing
Seek immediate medical attention — ammonia can cause permanent eye damage

Skin contact

Remove contaminated clothing immediately
Flush affected skin with large quantities of water for at least 15 minutes
Do not apply ointments, creams, or neutralizing agents
Cover burns with sterile, dry dressing and seek medical attention

Inhalation

Move victim to fresh air immediately
If victim is not breathing, begin CPR and call 911
Administer supplemental oxygen if trained and available
Keep victim warm and at rest in a semi-upright position
Monitor for delayed pulmonary edema — symptoms may appear hours after exposure

Ingestion

Do NOT induce vomiting
If victim is conscious, have them rinse mouth with water
Give small amounts of water or milk if victim can swallow
Seek immediate medical attention

N°003PPE by concentration

Protection

Routine operations (<25 ppm)

Safety glasses
Hard hat
Steel-toe boots
Hearing protection
Ammonia detector on person

Elevated exposure (25-50 ppm)

Full-face air-purifying respirator (APR) with ammonia cartridge
Chemical splash goggles (if not using full-face APR)
Chemical-resistant gloves (butyl rubber or neoprene)
Long sleeves and pants

High exposure (50-300 ppm)

Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) — positive pressure, full facepiece
Chemical-resistant suit (Tyvek or equivalent)
Chemical-resistant gloves (double layer recommended)
Chemical-resistant boots

IDLH (>300 ppm)

SCBA — positive pressure, full facepiece (30-minute minimum)
Fully encapsulating chemical-resistant suit (Level A)
Inner and outer chemical-resistant gloves
Chemical-resistant boots with steel toe and shank
Two-way radio communication
Buddy system mandatory — no solo entry

N°004Emergency numbers

Contacts

Emergency Services911

Poison Control1-800-222-1222

CHEMTREC1-800-424-9300

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