Handling Anhydrous Ammonia Safely

Background

• Anhydrous ammonia (NH₃) is an important source of nitrogen fertilizer for crops.
• If improperly handled, NH₃ can be very dangerous, with catastrophic consequences to both plants and workers; it can kill, maim, or blind in mere seconds.
• Common injuries from NH₃ exposure are severe burns to eyes, skin, and respiratory tract.

Tips

• Always wear protective clothing (e.g., lightweight rubber suit or at least long-sleeved shirt and overalls) and personal protective equipment (e.g., non-vented goggles, thermal-lined rubber gloves, face shield or approved respirator).
• Keep NH₃ tanks out of direct sunlight so the pressure-relief valve doesn't have to vent.
• Make sure the NH₃ tanks aren't filled beyond their recommended capacity.
• Take special care in handling the hose-end valve so it doesn't open accidentally.
• Do not move the hose by the valve handle.
• Be sure to bleed the hose coupling before disconnecting it.
• Be especially careful when cleaning plugged knives, since NH₃ could build up behind the plug.
• If exposed to NH₃, immediately wash with water for 15 minutes then seek emergency medical attention.
• Before taking an NH₃ tank to the field, inspect to ensure the following:
  1. hoses in good condition,
  2. fittings clean and rust-free,
  3. low-pressure tubes are not leaking,
  4. no knives plugged,
  5. tank secured by a locking hitch pin.
  6. pressure-relief valve operates correctly,
  7. tank has 5 gallons of fresh water, and all couplers are functioning correctly.
• If there's accident with anhydrous, remember that the antidote is water, water, and more water.