Safety Data Sheet

Ammonium Nitrate

1.

IDENTIFICATION OF MATERIAL AND SUPPLIER

Product Name

Ammonium Nitrate

Other Names

Porous Prill, ANPP, ANA, Ammonium Nitrate dense prill

Recommended use of
the chemical and
restrictions on use

Production of explosives and fertiliser manufacture

Supplier

AEL Mining Services (a division of AECI Australia Pty Ltd.)

ABN: 33 165 704 870
Level 3, Christie Centre, 320 Adelaide Street
Brisbane, QLD
Australia

Contact

Telephone: +61 7 322 10168

Facsimile: +61 7 322 00491

Emergency phone
number

1 800 272 269

2.

HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

Hazard Classification:

Classified as Dangerous Goods by the criteria of the Australian

Code for the Transport of Explosives by Road and Rail;
DANGEROUS GOODS.

Classification of
substance of mixture:

This material is hazardous according to Safe Work Australia;

HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE.
Oxidising solids - Category 3
Eye Irritation - Category 2A

Signal word:

WARNING

Symbols:

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Hazard Statements
and Codes:

H271 May cause fire or explosion, strong oxidiser

H277 May intensify fire; oxidiser
H319 Causes serious eye irritation

Precautionary
Statements:

Prevention:
P210 Keep away from heat/sparks/open flames/hot surfaces. No
smoking.
P220 Store away from clothing and other combustible materials
P221 Take any precaution to avoid mixing with combustibles
P285 In case of inadequate ventilation wear respiratory protection.
P264 Wash hands thoroughly after handling
P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye
protection/face protection.
P283 Wear flame retardant overalls.
P273 Avoid release to the environment.
Response:
P305; P351; P338 If in eyes: Rinse with water for several minutes
P372
Explosion risk in case of fire.
P373
DO NOT fight fire involving this product.
P337; P313 IF exposed or concerned: Get medical
advice/attention.
P306+P360 If on clothing rinse contaminated clothing with plenty
of water before removing clothing
Storage:
None
Disposal:
P501 Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local,
regional, national and international regulations.
Poisons Schedule:
None allocated.

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3.

COMPOSITION/INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS

Components
Ammonium Nitrate
Non-hazardous components (including
water)

4.

CAS Number
6484-52-2
-

Proportion
>98%
<2%

Hazard Codes
H272 H319

FIRST AID MEASURES

For Advice in the event of an emergency, contact a Poisons Information Centre (Australia:
131 126) or a medical doctor immediately.
Inhalation

Remove affected person from exposure to a well ventilated area.

Keep warm and at rest. In emergency, if breathing is difficult give
oxygen. If the affected person suffers cardiac arrest commence
cardio-pulmonary resuscitation immediately. Seek urgent medical
attention.

Ingestion

Do NOT induce vomiting unless directed to do so by medical

personnel. Provide water to rinse mouth out. Never give anything
by mouth to an unconscious person. Loosen tight clothing such as
a collar, tie, belt or waistband. Seek medical attention if
symptoms appear.

Skin Contact

In case of skin contact, immediately flush skin with plenty of water

for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and
shoes.

Eye Contact

Check for and remove any contact lenses. In case of contact,

immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes.
Cold water may be used. Seek medical attention.

Note to physician

This product contains nitrates, which may be reduced to nitrites by

intestinal bacteria. Nitrites may affect the blood
(methaemoglobinaemia) and blood vessels (vasodilation and a fall
in blood pressure). Effect peaks within 30 minutes. Clinical signs
of cyanosis appear before other symptoms because of the dark
pigmentation of methaemoglobin. Institute cardiac monitoring,

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especially in patients with coronary, artery or pulmonary disease.

5.

FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES

Hazards from
combusting products

Oxidizing substance. Will support combustion of other materials.

Increases intensity of a fire. Decomposes on heating emitting
irritating white fumes. Brown fumes indicate the presence of toxic
oxides of nitrogen.

Special protective
equipment and
precautions for firefighters

Fire fighters should wear positive pressure self-contained breathing

apparatus (SCBA) and full turnout gear. Fire fighters protective
clothing will provide limited protection.
DO NOT FIGHT FIRE WHEN IT REACHES MATERIAL. Withdraw
from fire and let it burn. Promptly isolate the scene by removing
all persons from the vicinity of the incident if there is a fire. First
move people out of line-of-sight of the scene and away from
windows.
No additional remarks.

6.

ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES

Emergency
procedures

Clear area of all unprotected personnel. Shut off all possible

sources of ignition. Wear protective equipment to prevent skin and
eye contact and inhalation of vapours/dusts. If contamination of
sewers or waterways has occurred advise local emergency
services.
This material is classified as a Security Sensitive Ammonium
Nitrate (SSAN). Spillage recovery needs to be appropriately
documented and material accurately accounted for. In the case of
a transport accident the Police, Explosives Inspector and AEL

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Mining Services Pty Ltd (Telephone: 1800 272 269) need to be

notified.
Methods and
materials for
containment and
clean up

For all spills, evacuate unprotected personnel upwind and out of

danger. Remove sources of heat and ignition. Restrict access to
spill site. Any spillage should be contained and recovered. Do not
allow to mix with sawdust and other combustible organic
substances.
Small Leaks
If possible contain the area of the spill, sweep into a clean labelled
open container and recycle.
Large Spills
If possible contain the area of the spill. A front end loader may be
required to scoop up spill into a clean container. Depending on the
degree and nature of contamination, dispose of by use as fertilizer
on a farm or authorised waste facility
Wash down area and prevent run-offs into drains, sewers or
waterways. Soak up wet material using absorbent material such
as vermiculite or sand and dispose at authorised waste facility.

7.

HANDLING AND STORAGE

Precautions for safe

handling

Conditions for safe

storage, including any
incompatibilities

Avoid skin and eye contact and breathing in vapour

Avoid excess generation of dust
Avoid contamination by combustible and incompatible materials
Avoid all contact with other chemicals
Wear suitable protective clothing. In case of insufficient
ventilation, wear suitable respiratory equipment. Avoid contact
with skin and eyes
Keep away from any sources of ignition and heat
Ensure that the product is stored away from strong acids,
strong alkalis, nitrites, chlorates, chlorides and permanganates
Ensure the product is stored away from combustible materials
Due to Ammonium Nitrates incompatibility with

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8.

tetranitromethane, dichloroisocyanuric acid, trichloroisocyanuric

acid, any bromates, chlorates, chlorites, hypochlorites or
chloroisocyanurate or any inorganic nitrites, it must be stored
separately from these types of Items.
Storage must be in a cool place out of direct sunlight.

EXPOSURE CONTROLS/PERSONAL PROTECTION

Occupational
Exposure Limits

No exposure limit values assigned for this specific material by the

Safe Work Australia

Appropriate
engineering controls

Avoid high dust concentration and provide ventilation where

necessary

Individual protection
measures, such as
Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE)

The selection of PPE is dependent on a detailed risk assessment.

The risk assessment should consider the work situation, the
physical form of the chemical, the handling methods, and
environmental factors
Recommended PPE is OVERALLS (Buttoned to the Neck and wrist),
SAFETY SHOES, SAFETY GLASSES, GLOVES

Wear overalls, safety glasses and impervious gloves. Always wash

hands before smoking, eating, drinking or using the toilet

9.

PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Physical State
Colour

Solid (Prills)
White

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Odour
Solubility
Specific Gravity
Flash Point (C)

Odourless
Solubility in water: 118.3g/100g of water at 0oC; Slightly soluble in
alcohol; not soluble in acetone
0.755 at 20C 0.25
Not applicable

10. STABILITY AND REACTIVITY

Chemical Stability

Oxidising agent. Avoid contact with combustible materials

Conditions to avoid

Store away from sources of heat or fire, especially in a confined

space. Keep away from combustible materials and organic
substances. Avoid storage and contamination with chlorine
bleaches, pool chlorine and hypochlorites. Dry ammonium nitrate
has been reported to detonate in fires with dry ammonium sulfate.
Ensure that ammonium nitrate fertiliser is not stored near hay,
straw, grain, diesel oil, greases. Do not permit smoking and the
use of naked lights in the storage area for ammonium nitrate.
Restrict stack size for bagged product (according to local
regulations). Any building used for the storage of ammonium
nitrate should be dry and well ventilated. Where the nature of the
bagged product and climatic conditions so require, store under
conditions that will avoid breakdown by thermal cycling (wide
variation in temperature). The product should not be stored in
direct sunlight to avoid physical breakdown due to thermal cycling.
Avoid excessive generation of dust. Avoid contamination by
combustible (e.g., diesel oil, grease, etc.) and incompatible
materials. Avoid unnecessary exposure to the atmosphere to
prevent moisture pick up.

Incompatible
materials

Incompatible with the following materials: nitrites, chlorates,

chlorides permanganates, strong acids, strong alkalis with any
combustible materials. Ammonium nitrate is a strong oxidising
agent which is incompatible with tetranitromethane,
dichloroisocyanuric acid, trichloroisocyanuric acid, any bromates,
chlorates, chlorites, hypochlorites, perchlorates,

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chloroisocyanurates, any inorganic nitrites, and metal powders.

Hazardous reactions

Hazardous
decomposition
products

Contamination of ammonium nitrate with chlorine bleaches, pool

chlorine and hypochlorites may result in the formation of explosive
nitrogen trichloride. Dry ammonium nitrate has been reported to
detonate in fires with dry ammonium sulfate. When mixed with
strong acid ammonium nitrate produces toxic brown nitrogen
dioxide gas. When molten, ammonium nitrate may decompose due
to shock or pressure. Ammonium nitrate may react violently with
nitrites, chlorates, chlorides and permanganates.
Oxides of carbon and nitrogen. When heated to decomposition
(unconfined) ammonium nitrate produces nitrous oxide, white
ammonium nitrate fumes and water. When mixed with strong
acids, and occasionally during blasting, it produces an irritating
toxic brown gas, mostly of nitrogen dioxide. When molten may
decompose violently due to shock or pressure.

11. TOXOLOGICAL INFORMATION

Ingestion

Eye Contact
Skin Contact
Inhalation

Acute toxicity

Presents moderate toxicity, unless large amounts are ingested.

Large amounts cause gastro-intestinal irritation, with symptoms
such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Large amounts may also
cause dilation of blood vessels by direct smooth muscle relaxation
and methaemoglobinaemia (excessive conversion of haemoglobin
to methaemoglobin, which is incapable of binding and carrying
oxygen methaemoglobin is formed when iron in the haem
molecule is oxidised from the ferrous to the ferric state).
Symptoms include dizziness, abdominal pain, vomiting, bloody
diarrhoea, weakness, convulsions and collapse.
May cause irritation, redness and pain following contact due to
abrasive nature of material
Prolonged contact may cause some irritation, including redness and
itching.
High mist concentration of air-borne material may cause irritation
to the nose and upper respiratory tract, symptoms may include
coughing and sore throat. Prolonged exposure may be harmful.
Ammonium nitrate has moderate toxicity if swallowed. It is not
classified as hazardous according to criteria of WorkSafe Australia.
LD50 (Oral, rat) = 2,217 mg/kg.

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Chronic Effects

Prolonged or repeated exposure may cause drying of the skin with

cracking and irritation that may lead to dermatitis.

12. ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION

Ecotoxicity

Ammonium nitrate is a plant nutrient and large contamination kill

vegetation and cause poisoning in livestock and poultry

Aquatic toxicity

Ammonium nitrate was evaluated at 5, 10, 25 and 50 mg (NH4+)/L

The fertility of Daphnia magna was seen to decrease at 50 mg/L.
Post embryonic growth of crustacea was seen to be impaired at 10,
25 and 50 mg/L

13. DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS

Disposal Methods

Refer to Waste Management Authority. Dispose of material through

a licensed waste contractor. Empty containers must be
decontaminated by rinsing thoroughly with water. Rinsing water
needs to be disposed of carefully.
Disposal of material needs to be appropriately documented and
material accurately accounted for.

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14. TRANSPORT INFORMATION

Road and Rail
Transport

Classified as Dangerous Goods by the criteria of the Australian

Dangerous Goods Code (ADG Code) for Transport by Road and
Rail; DANGEROUS GOODS.

UN No:
Transport Hazard Class:
Proper Shipping Name or
technical name:
Hazchem or Emergency Action
code:

Marine Transport

1Y

Classified as Dangerous Goods by the criteria of the International

Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code) for Transport by
Marine; DANGEROUS GOODS.
UN No:
Transport Hazard Class:
Proper Shipping Name or
technical name:

Air Transport

1942
5.1 Oxidising Substance
Ammonium Nitrate

1942
5.1 Oxidising Substance
Ammonium Nitrate

Classified as Dangerous Goods by the criteria of the International

Air Transport Association (IATA) dangerous goods regulations for
Transport by Air: DANGEROUS GOODS.
UN No:
Transport Hazard Class:
Proper Shipping Name or
technical name:

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1942
5.1 Oxidising Substance
Ammonium Nitrate

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15. REGULATORY INFORMATION

Hazard Classification

Classification of
substance of mixture

ADG DANGEROUS GOODS; HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE

NOHSC DANGEROUS GOODS; HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE
IMDG DANGEROUS GOODS; HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE
Safework Australia HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE
Oxidising Solids - Category 3
Eye Irritation Category 2A

Poisons Schedule

None allocated.

OTHER INFORMATION
This safety data sheet has been prepared by AEL Mining Services Research and
Development department based on information supplied by CSBP.
The information provided in this safety data sheet, to the best of our knowledge
at the time of issue, summarises the health and safety hazard information of the
product. It is the responsibility of the user to review this safety data sheet in
context of the intended use of the product prior to using the product. AEL Mining
Services cannot guarantee that all hazards have been listed and described herein.
If the user is in any doubt or needs to obtain additional information on the
product, please contact AEL Mining Services.
Revision Date:

17 June 2015

Revision Details:

1. Format Update
2. Removal of ANE reference not relevant in Australia
Name: Kaylee Baker
Signature:
Technologist

Compiled By:

Authorised By:

Name: Andre Pienaar

Product Custodian

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Signature:

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