What Must Workers Understand? 

You can smell it. – anhydrous ammonia is colorless but has a recognizable odor. Pay attention to your senses, if you smell it, you should identify the source and do not take breathing in anhydrous ammonia lightly.

Strong Affinity for Water – Anhydrous ammonia (NH3) takes water from anything it can come in contact with. When in contact with the body it will seek the water in your eyes, respiratory system, and skin. Living tissue is dehydrated quickly and cells are destroyed on contact. Any tissue containing moisture is chemically burned. Skin that is chemically burned by NH3 is killed and is not capable of healing or replacing itself. Damaged tissue must be removed surgically, results are disfiguring.

Lighter Than Air – Anhydrous Ammonia vapor is lighter than air, which means it moves up into the atmosphere at the point of release. However, high relative humidity traps the vapor. When ammonia encounters moisture in the air, the vapor becomes heavier and hangs lower to the ground. Can settle in low areas like road ditches, valleys, etc.

PPE, Goggles & Gloves –  Wearing PPE such as unvented goggles and a full-face shield will protect your eyes from an unexpected release. Rubber gloves impervious to ammonia will protect you from the freezing nature of NH3 and from skin contact. It is always suggested to wear a heavy-duty, long-sleeved shirt with long pants and a respirator.

First Aid – Water, Water, Water – NH3 requires large quantities of water to neutralize its caustic effects on moist areas of the body. Start water treatment immediately. Chemical burning starts instantly and becomes worse over time. Continue to flush with water till the victim is delivered to medical attention. Don’t underestimate the importance of water…..don’t be without it.

Not So Obvious Things Workers Should Know

To put an anhydrous ammonia transport into perspective, 3 years ago there was a release near Chicago in a residential area. The release sent 83 persons to local emergency departments, 14 were hospitalized, it engaged 129 fire and law enforcement personnel, and involved a shelter-in-place for a 1-mile radius. We must pay attention to detail and sometimes accidents happen. This accident could have been avoided.

Never Transport Anhydrous Ammonia Through Town – You have to think of the consequences like the story above and putting the community at risk. Always seek to find a route around town and residential areas even if it takes quite a bit longer. A release will have negative consequences for your operation. Talk to workers about specific routes they should take to fields. Never park near roadways or buildings and do not transport through populated areas.

No Additional Stops – Workers should only tow anhydrous tanks from the retailer to the field. Stopping to get food, pick up parts, acquire supplies, or visit an ATM is taking that tank into a public area. It is tempting but not allowed. It is a violation of federal law to stop and leave a nurse tank and towing vehicle unattended while en route to the final destination.

Observe the 25 mph Speed Limit – Anhydrous ammonia tanks are outfitted with a slow-moving vehicle sign that tells motorists and law enforcement that you are moving at 25 mph or less. Check the maximum speed rating on the tank’s tires. Most are rated at 25 mph, and exceeding it can lead to blowouts. Make sure to discuss speed with workers and temptations to go faster to deliver the tank. It’s not a typical trailer, it’s a trailer with a placarded hazardous material.

Safety Chains and Clips – Always ensure safety chains are crossed and secured and use a properly rated hitch pin with a clip or keeper….every time. This goes for the tractor, truck, and when towing two nurse tanks together. Always perform a walk-around inspection before pulling out onto the roadway.

Stopping Distance – Always maintain a safe speed (25 mph or below) and increase the stopping distance with a partial or heavy load. Workers need to also account for the type of towing vehicle. A half-ton pickup doesn’t have the same braking equipment as a 3/4 ton or a ton truck has and must allow for more following and stopping distance.

Make Sure the Farmer’s Valve is Completely Closed – Always turn the tank valves off and disconnect hoses before pulling onto a public roadway.

Know Wind Direction – Always work upwind from a release.

Reporting of Anhydrous Ammonia Release – Federal and state regulations require you to immediately report an anhydrous ammonia release of more than 18 gallons or 100 pounds into the atmosphere. First, take care of any injured people and get them to a safe area. Then call 911 and be sure to state that it is an anhydrous ammonia release. This signals to first responders that this is a hazmat incident and how to respond accordingly. Whoever is in possession of the tank is responsible for notifying the 3 agencies; 911, National Response Center (89-00-424-8802), Emergency Management Agency, and the local Emergency Planning Committee within 15 minutes. There are penalties if you do not call.

In Conclusion

This email covers some essentials that workers need to know when working around anhydrous ammonia. Good Day’s Work provides a class on Anhydrous Ammonia training. Be sure to provide training/retraining and discuss with employees what you want them to know. Have them repeat it back to you so you know they’ve got it. This training is to reduce human error, lower the likelihood of a release and know what to do in case a release occurs. A great resource is a Purdue Extension publication PPP-140 on Anhydrous Ammonia.

Enjoy this fall season. Have a safe and productive harvest.

Thank You for looking out for the safety of Your Team!

Marty Huseman