Urea liquor is used in fertilizer manufacture, lumbering, fermentation, effluence and waste water treatment and animal feed. It is included in fertilizers as a nutrient source for plants in fertilizers, used to control insect damage and prolong life of lumber and as nutrient for the fermentation process. It is used as binder in resin. Resin is an adhesive substance used in manufacturing. Urea liquor adds nutrients to livestock feed and controls the pH of effluents. pH is the measure of how acidic or basic a substance is.
Urea liquor causes health complications when ingested, inhaled or exposed to the eye or skin. When the solution comes in contact with the eye or skin, it causes irritation. If the solution is at a high temperature, it causes severe burns. Inhalation of the dry dust causes coughing, sore throat and irritation of mucous membranes and the respiratory tract. If you ingest the dust or solution you are likely to suffer from abdominal pains, nausea, vomiting, and gastro-intestinal irritation.
Stay away from confined spaces, such as tanks and pits. Follow entry procedures, such as outlined by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and the U.S. Occupational Health and Safety Association (OSHA) 29CFR 1910.146. Use appropriate respiratory protection when concentrations exceed established exposure limits. Wash your hands after handling it and do not wear contaminated clothing or shoes. Store it away from incompatible materials, such as chlorine, peroxides, chromates, nitric acid, perchlorates and concentrated oxygen or permanganates. Empty containers may be dangerous and you should not puncture them or expose them to heat.
Ensure there is adequate ventilation to minimize exposure. Wear protective equipment to prevent inhalation, contact with skin, eye and facial areas. Put on respiratory protection equipment upon entry into confined spaces or high exposure environment to prevent urea dust from dissolving into mucous membranes. Wear insulated gloves, non-porous clothing and footwear as protection against burns. Avoid handling urea liquor unless wearing chemical goggles or a face shield.