Aqua ammonia exerts a local irritant action. Strong solutions may cause tissue destruction on contact, whether acting on the eyes, mucous membranes, gastrointestinal mucosa or pulmonary tissue. Ammonia gas readily given off by aqua solution may cause irritation to the skin, eyes and respiratory mucosa. When aqua solution is ingested in large quantities, there is corrosive destruction of the mucosa of the pharynx, esophagus and stomach. Typical signs and symptoms of aqua ammonia ingestion include nausea, vomiting, and pain in the throat and upper abdomen, cold clammy skin, rapid weak pulse, convulsions and collapse.

Concentrated aqua ammonia solutions, which remain in contact with the eyes, may cause ocular damage, which may result in prolonged visual disturbances or permanent scarring of the cornea. The consequences of skin contact with aqua ammonia solutions vary from relatively mild dermatitis to severe burns, depending upon the strength of the solution, length of contact and individual skin sensitivity.

Safety in handling aqua ammonia solution depends on the effectiveness of employee education, training and supervision. The education and training of the employees to work safely and to use the proper personal protective equipment and other safeguards is important. New employees should not be allowed to handle aqua until they have been properly instructed in handling procedures, the proper safety equipment needed and the location of the safety showers and eyewash stations. Supervisors should periodically schedule refresher courses for all employees, emphasizing handling aqua ammonia solutions according to methods outlined in operating procedures MSDS and other related safety information. Employees should be trained to report all suspected leaks or equipment failures as well as any signs or symptoms of illness.

Thorough inspection should be performed on equipment prior to handling aqua ammonia solutions. Employees should always be certain that all valves, piping and associated equipment are in proper working order and in good condition.

It is important that adequate ventilation be provided and maintained to keep concentration of ammonia as low as possible to protect employees in the work area. Aqua ammonia has a vapor pressure that is about equal to atmospheric pressure and must be stored in closed containers. The storage area should be cool, dry and well ventilated. Avoid ammonia vapor from pocketing under floors, roofs or similar structures. Ventilation systems will not be found necessary in most processes. Normal conditions in enclosed areas normally provide good natural ventilation, however, rooms or buildings that have insufficient natural ventilation may need mechanical ventilation.

Aqua ammonia solution is usually shipped in either cargo tanks or polyethylene lined steel drums. Plastic drums are not recommended because they tend to lose their shape and become unstable under the slight pressure exerted by the aqua ammonia solutions. Drums should not be subjected to rough handling or too abnormal mechanical shock such as dropping or bumping. Drums should always be opened carefully to permit the venting of any ammonia vapor, which may have formed. Drums should be emptied only by gravity and should never have pressure applied to the drum.

Each delivery container must be labeled. Drums must conform to UN 6HA1 and be so labeled. Cargo tanks must be placard (8, UN 2672) for more than 10%, but not more than 35% ammonia. Cargo tanks must include tank inspections and test history as per 49 CFR 180.407©. Compressor or pumps may accomplish the transfer of aqua ammonia solution from cargo tank transport to the stationary storage tank. Pressure systems to off load cargo tanks should be regulated for approximately 10 psi and the receiving system should have a scrubber system to prevent the buildup of pressure. Where a pump is used to offload, suction pressure may cause the pump to vapor lock if the pump is not located near the hose connection and the hose is not as short as possible.

Storage facilities should be sized to hold at least one and a half times the delivered volume of aqua ammonia. Typical cargo tank size is 6,500 gallons.