About Anhydrous Ammonia
Anhydrous ammonia (NH3), readily recognized by its distinctive odor, is a compressed gas with extremely toxic vapors which irritate the eyes and skin. Although classified as non-flammable by the DOT, in confined spaces NH3 can build up to a flammable concentration and create an explosive situation. Widely used as a refrigerant and in the agricultural, chemical, petroleum and water treatment industries, up to 500,000 workers may be exposed to this hazardous chemical on a regular basis. It is therefore critical that employees who deal with anhydrous ammonia and response personnel who might respond to an emergency situation involving NH3 be trained in safe handling and response techniques.

About the film
"Anhydrous Ammonia," second in the widely-acclaimed HazChem series, explains what the hazard properties of this dangerous gas are and outlines an active safety program to teach proper handling, storage and transportation. The film pays close attention to the special dangers of NH3 in confined spaces - where the likelihood of explosion is great during a release - and tells how to ventilate a confined space and monitor it for concentration before entering to eliminate the source of discharge. The program also discusses inverted plumes, in which deadly vapors remain close to the ground rather than dispersing into the upper atmosphere.

Other topics covered include use of water fog and hazmat foams to control vapors during a release, controlling water runoff to protect the environment, diking to control spills, emergency medical operations for affected workers, and decontamination of responders. The film explores proper protective clothing, both for handling anhydrous ammonia and for emergency response to a vapor release, and discusses priorities and procedures to follow when an incident includes a fire in the area of ammonia.

"Anhydrous Ammonia" has been cited by the Society for Technical Communication and the National Educational Film & Video Festival for educational effectiveness and filmmaking excellence.

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