By Scout Nelson
As the harvest season ends, many farmers and custom applicators are preparing to apply anhydrous ammonia (NH3) to their fields. However, the rush to beat the weather should never compromise safety. Anhydrous ammonia, a widely used nitrogen fertilizer, is highly dangerous if not handled properly.
Accidents involving NH3 have proven how deadly this substance can be. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has provided essential safety guidelines to help farmers, fertilizer dealers, and custom applicators handle NH3 safely during field application.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
Always wear NH3-rated goggles and gloves to protect yourself from exposure. Avoid wearing contact lenses when working with NH3.
Emergency Water Supply:
Keep a clean and accessible emergency water supply of at least 5 gallons nearby. This water can be vital in case of accidental exposure.
Handling NH3 Connections:
Exercise extreme caution when making or breaking NH3 connections. Always treat horses and lines as though they contain ammonia. Stand upwind when connecting, disconnecting, bleeding lines, or transferring NH3 to avoid exposure.
Position Equipment Safely:
Place NH3 equipment away and downwind from homes, people, and livestock to minimize the risk of exposure in case of leaks or spills.
NH3 Equipment Maintenance and Transportation:
Never assume NH3 lines are empty, and always wear appropriate safety gear when working with NH3 storage and transportation equipment. NH3 storage facilities must have at least 150 gallons of accessible water or an emergency shower and eyewash station. When towing NH3 nurse tanks on roads, drive sensibly, never exceed 30 mph, and secure tanks with two independent chains.
In Case of an Accident:
If an accident or spill occurs, seek medical help, call 911 immediately, and then contact the Minnesota Duty Officer at 1-800-422-0798.
Timing of Application:
For the best results, apply NH3 after soil temperatures reach 50°F or lower. This helps reduce nitrogen loss and ensures more nitrogen is available for the next growing season.
Following these safety tips can prevent accidents and keep everyone safe during the NH3 application process. For more information on safety, storage, and transportation, visit the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s website.
Photo Credit:gettyimages-darcymaulsby
Categories: Minnesota, General