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Avoid hazards - best practices for anhydrous ammonia use

Avoid hazards - best practices for anhydrous ammonia use
Sep 25, 2024
By Jean-Paul McDonald
Assistant Editor, North American Content, Farms.com

Anhydrous ammonia safety tips for farmers

As harvest season concludes, farmers and custom applicators will soon turn to applying anhydrous ammonia (NH3) to fields.

Though there's often pressure to complete the job quickly before weather conditions change, it's vital to prioritize safety while handling this hazardous fertilizer.

NH3, if mishandled, can pose serious risks, even becoming life-threatening. To mitigate these dangers during field application, farmers, fertilizer dealers, and applicators must follow several important safety guidelines.

First, always use appropriate protective gear such as NH3-approved goggles and gloves and avoid wearing contact lenses when working with the fertilizer.

A clean water source, with at least 5 gallons of water, should always be readily accessible for emergency use.

When handling NH3 transfer lines, treat them as if they contain ammonia at all times. It is crucial to stand upwind while connecting, disconnecting, bleeding lines, or transferring NH3 to avoid accidental exposure.

Before taking breaks or disconnecting equipment, ensure all valves and lines are closed, bled, and secured. Always handle hose end valves by gripping the body of the valve, not the handle, to prevent accidental releases.

Keep all NH3-related equipment away from homes, livestock, and populated areas, positioning it downwind to further reduce exposure risks.

For those who work with NH3 equipment, whether in storage facilities or during transport, additional precautions are essential.

Never assume that lines are empty, and always wear the required protective gear. Having an emergency water source available is critical, whether it’s a 5-gallon water container on nurse tanks or an emergency shower and eyewash station at storage facilities.

When towing NH3 nurse tanks, drive cautiously and keep speeds at or below 30 mph. Attach a slow-moving vehicle (SMV) emblem to the rear and secure the tank to the tractor or truck using two independent chains, in addition to the hitch pin or clip.

Lastly, to maximize nitrogen retention and reduce loss, apply NH3 when soil temperatures are 50°F or below.

Different regions may have different regulations related to the application of, and transportation of, anhydrous ammonia, be sure to know the regulations in your area.  Also, ensure you have emergency numbers for your region handy when working with anhydrous ammonia.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-darcymaulsby


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