The main considerations for handling liquid ammonia in a pumping system are to contain the fluid and vapour lock. Ammonia gas is harmful to human Cast iron parts will rust when health, particularly to the lungs and drained of ammonium hydroxide and respiratory system. not protected with oil.

Where ammonia is a gas handled under pressure, any leak in the system or pump unit will release the ammonia into the atmosphere, potentially exposing risk to the surrounding workforce.