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T: E: info fertilizercanada. Anhydrous Ammonia Code Audit Schedule an audit. Anhydrous Ammonia Code of Practice Ammendments.
When working with this equipment, it is also important to make sure all equipment is well maintained and in proper working order, including hoses, valves and hitches with safety chains. With much of the preplant anhydrous already on in Iowa, Hanna said a rainy-day project might be to inspect the anhydrous applicator before the heart of sidedressing season. A quick run-through of the equipment might revel some different components that may need to be addressed. Another important safety measure when it comes to anhydrous is to make sure personal protective equipment is present and in good shape.
This would include unvented goggles, long sleeves, anhydrous gloves and a properly fitted respirator with ammonia-approved cartridges. Also, make sure the 5-gallon emergency water supply attached to the nurse tank has water and that it is clean water. Often, dust and dirt get into the small water tank and make the water dirty, he said. Anhydrous ammonia boils at minus 28 degrees F. It must be kept under pressure to be stored as a liquid above this temperature.
Thus, when liquid ammonia strikes the skin, it can instantly freeze exposed tissue. Anhydrous ammonia is caustic and causes severe chemical burns. Body tissues that contain a high percentage of water, such as the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract, are very easily burned.
Victims exposed to even small amounts of ammonia require immediate treatment with large quantities of water to minimize the damage. Ammonia is also corrosive to certain metals, such as copper and zinc, and their alloys. Galvanized pipe must not be used for storing or applying ammonia because it contains zinc. Containers should be made of special high-strength steel or other approved material.
It is important to wear tight-fitting, chemical-proof goggles when handling ammonia. Regular glasses provide virtually no protection. Another option is to wear an approved full-face respirator that combines eye and lung protection. Never wear contact lenses when working with ammonia. Anhydrous ammonia can get under the lens and cause permanent eye damage before the lens can be removed.
Rubber gloves that are impervious to ammonia are required for handling anhydrous. The gloves should have an extended cuff that can be turned down at the elbow to prevent the chemical from running down your sleeve when your arms are raised. Gloves should have a fairly loose fit so they can be removed quickly in an emergency, but should fit tightly enough to provide adequate protection. You can further protect your arms from ammonia spray by wearing coveralls or a heavy work shirt that covers the arms.
Thin dress shirts or short sleeves do not provide protection. Regulations require that all anhydrous ammonia nurse tanks and applicator tanks carry at least one five-gallon container of clean water Figure 5. This must be readily available for flushing the eyes and skin in case of exposure. The water should be changed daily to ensure a clean supply. It is also recommended that a second five-gallon container of water be kept on the tractor.
This will provide the operator with another source of water for first aid in case the operator is unable to reach t e one on the nurse or applicator tank. Handlers of ammonia should also carry an eight-ounce eye wash plastic water bottle at all times in case an accidental exposure occurs. If you store bulk quantities of anhydrous ammonia, additional protective equipment is required. A rainsuit and two gas masks with ammonia canisters should be available for emergency work. The protection from a gas mask is limited, and a mask should only be used in low concentrations.
If a serious leak occurs, call your local fire department for assistance. Firefighters have the proper training and equipment, including a self-contained breathing apparatus and protective suit, to deal with major leaks. The operator's manual for anhydrous ammonia equipment should include instructions on proper procedures to follow when handling the product. Review this information before operating the equipment.
Note all decals on the equipment that identify valves and gauges involved in transferring ammonia. Decals should clearly identify the first aid water and other protective measures.
All containers used for storing ammonia must be painted white or silver Figure 6. Light colors reflect heat, helping to keep the temperature and pressure inside the tank at an acceptable level during warm weather. Regularly scheduled maintenance is necessary to ensure that the tank and other components are ready for ammonia service.
As nurse and applicator tanks become older, the hazards increase. Before using ammonia equipment, perform a walk-around inspection to locate any defects. Safety checklists are available from many anhydrous ammonia suppliers. Any parts found defective must be replaced or repaired.
If this is not possible, the unit must be taken out of service. Proper care of the safety relief valve is an important part of maintenance Figure 7.
This valve is designed to relieve excess pressure from the vapor space of the tank at a predetermined pressure setting. One organization recommends replacement of safety relief valves every five years or if you discover any leakage or other defects during your walk-around inspections.
Ammonia hoses are considered the weakest link in the ammonia handling system Figure 8. Hoses must be checked carefully before each use to make sure they can be safely used. You should replace hoses if you find bulges, cracks, cuts, soft spots, or blisters. Also, replace any hose that has begun to slip near the coupling. To minimize the chance of an accident, take steps to ensure all equipment is in top operating condition. Be sure all agricultural workers handling or applying ammonia have been specially trained in equipment maintenance and operation, proper personal protective equipment and emergency first aid.
A face shield or goggles, rubber gloves and a heavy-duty long-sleeved shirt are recommended as minimum protection for operators routinely handling ammonia. Wear gloves and eye protection whenever you are working on or operating anhydrous equipment or handling hoses.
It is important to wear properly fitting goggles or a face shield when working with ammonia. A face shield will help prevent you from breathing a direct blast of ammonia and also will reduce possible eye exposure. Regular glasses do not provide adequate protection. Never wear contact lenses when working with ammonia.
Ammonia might get under the lenses and cause permanent eye damage before you can remove the lenses and flush your eyes with water. Loose-fitting rubber gloves with an extended cuff are recommended for handling anhydrous ammonia.
Turn the extended cuff down so ammonia does not run down your sleeve when you raise your arms. You can remove gloves that fit loosely in case of an emergency. You can further protect your arms from splashes by wearing heavy-duty clothing such as coveralls or work shirts that cover your arms. Thin dress shirts or short sleeves don't provide satisfactory protection. If you store bulk quantities of anhydrous ammonia on your farm, you will need additional protective equipment.
Keep two rainsuits or slickers and gas masks with an ammonia canister filter available for emergency work. The protection from a canister filter is limited and you should only use it in low concentrations of ammonia. When a serious leak occurs, call your local fire department for assistance. Firefighters have the proper training and equipment - including a self-contained breathing apparatus and protective suit to deal with major ammonia leaks where high concentrations of ammonia are probably present.
The operator's manual for anhydrous ammonia equipment should include instructions on proper procedures and protective equipment to use when handling ammonia. Review this information before operating the equipment. Regulations require that all farm vehicles used for anhydrous ammonia carry a container filled with at least 5 gallons of water. This water must be readily available for flushing the eyes and skin in case of exposure.
You should change the water daily to ensure you have a clean supply. Safety specialists recommend you keep a second 5-gallon container of water on the tractor. This provides another source of water for first aid in case the tractor operator is unable to reach the water container on the nurse or applicator tank. You should also carry a 6- to 8-ounce, water-filled plastic eye wash bottle in your shirt pocket.
It provides an immediate supply of water if an accident does occur. The objective of the eye wash bottle is to get the excess ammonia out of the eyes in the first few seconds until you or the victim can get to the larger water supply to continue flushing.
When a victim has been exposed to anhydrous ammonia, move him or her to a safe place and flush the exposed area immediately with water for a minimum of 15 minutes. Remove contaminated clothing as soon as you have thawed them out. Remember, the sub-zero temperature of anhydrous ammonia can freeze exposed clothing to skin below it. If you remove clothing before you thaw it with rinse water, extensive skin damage can result.
Do not apply salves, creams or ointments. They won't stop the damaging action to skin. Contact a doctor immediately after emergency first aid treatment. Even if small amounts of ammonia enter the eyes, irrigate them immediately with water for 15 minutes or more. Hold the eyelids open during irrigation to ensure water contacts all parts of the eye. Immediate first aid is important to avoid partial or total loss of vision.
Again, consult a doctor after giving emergency first aid. Ammonia vapors are easily detected because of their pungent odor, even in low concentrations. Inhaling ammonia can irritate the respiratory tract and lungs. At high concentrations, ammonia combined with the moisture in the lungs may damage the lung lining and reduce the lungs' ability to transfer oxygen to the bloodstream. When a person has inhaled ammonia, move them to a safe area. Exposures to low concentrations of ammonia for a short period of time may not require treatment.
Exposure to higher concentrations may cause convulsive coughing and respiratory spasms. Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation if the victim is not breathing. Obtain medical help as soon as possible. In case ammonia has been swallowed, contact a doctor immediately. Have the victim, if conscious and able, drink large amounts of water to dilute the chemical. Do not induce vomiting if the victim is in shock or unconscious.
If vomiting occurs, keep the head lower than the hips to prevent vomitus from entering the lungs. All containers used for storing ammonia must be painted white or silver.
Light colors reflect heat and this helps keep the temperature and pressure down inside the tank during warm weather. Daily inspection. Each day give the tank and hoses a brief inspection. Look for problems with:. Hoses - Check for cuts, soft spots, bulges, kinking, flattening or slipping at the coupler.
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