In my emergency response training around the country it is always an interesting discussion when Anhydrous Ammonia (NH3) comes up and the level of PPE necessary for a “safe response”. I have always stuck to my 25 years of training that NH3 qualifies for LEVEL A as it meets all the LEVEL A criteria. However, there are a lot of folks who challenge me on this level of protection and many would even ask me to provide them with a reputable source that stated LEVEL A is necessary. Until now, those reputable sources were wishy-washy at best as to the level of PPE needed for NH3. Until now…
In May 2015 the CDD/NIOSH revised their emergency response card for NH3 . Now I can not say with 100% certantity as to what was actualy involved with this revision as they do not have a revision history with their ER cards, but I can say that earlier this year I was using this card in a training class and this language was not present… (emphasis added by me)
Personal Protective Equipment
GENERAL INFORMATION: First Responders should use a NIOSH-certified Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN) Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) with a Level A protective suit when entering an area with an unknown contaminant or when entering an area where the concentration of the contaminant is unknown. Level A protection should be used until monitoring results confirm the contaminant and the concentration of the contaminant.
NOTE: Safe use of protective clothing and equipment requires specific skills developed through training and experience.
LEVEL A: (RED ZONE): Select when the greatest level of skin, respiratory, and eye protection is required. This is the maximum protection for workers in danger of exposure to unknown chemical hazards or levels above the IDLH or greater than the AEGL-2.
A NIOSH-certified CBRN full-face-piece SCBA operated in a pressure-demand mode or a pressure-demand supplied air hose respirator with an auxiliary escape bottle.
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- A Totally-Encapsulating Chemical Protective (TECP) suit that provides protection against CBRN agents.
- Chemical-resistant gloves (outer).
- Chemical-resistant gloves (inner).
- Chemical-resistant boots with a steel toe and shank.
- Coveralls, long underwear, and a hard hat worn under the TECP suit are optional items.
So now we have a very reputable source that has established a concentration of NH3 that would require a LEVEL A ensemble. And interesting enough, it is LESS THAN the IDLH of 300 ppm! I highlighted the section above where the CDC/NIOSH uses the Acute Exposure Guideline (AEGL) – 2, which is 220 ppm (80 less than the IDLH).
CLICK HERE for the full ER Card for NH3
TIP: this ER card makes a great addition to an Emergency Response Plan!