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Planting, Seeding & Spraying EquipmentAnhydrous Ammonia Safety
Anhydrous ammonia is a pressurized fertilizer that can cause severe injury in seconds. This article covers general safety concepts only and is no substitute for formal training.
Key points
- Anhydrous ammonia is a pressurized liquid that can cause severe injury quickly.
- Get formal training from your supplier or a qualified trainer before handling it.
- Carry water and protective gear and inspect all equipment before every use.
- Never repair pressurized parts yourself or bypass safety devices.
- Know the emergency plan and call emergency services at once if exposed.
Why is anhydrous ammonia so hazardous?
Anhydrous ammonia is stored and moved as a liquid under pressure. When it escapes, it turns to a gas and strongly attracts moisture, so it can burn eyes, skin and the lungs very quickly. It can be fatal in a serious release.
Handling it requires training, the right equipment and a clear emergency plan. Rules and requirements vary by state and by employer, and the product supplier is a primary source of instruction. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and OSHA, NIOSH and extension guidance.
What training should you have before handling it?
Never handle ammonia without instruction from your supplier or a qualified trainer. Training should cover the equipment, hookup, transfer, application, emergency response and first aid. Ask your supplier, your state department of agriculture and your extension office what courses are available.
Everyone on the crew needs to know the plan, including hired help and family members who might be nearby. Do not let an untrained person handle tanks or hoses.
Refresher training matters too. Procedures and equipment change, and habits drift. If a season has passed since your last session, ask your supplier for a review before you work with ammonia again, and have new helpers trained before they set foot near a tank.
What protective equipment and supplies are needed?
Protective equipment commonly includes splash-proof goggles, chemical-resistant gloves, long sleeves and pants, and boots. A full-face or other approved respirator may be required for certain tasks. Ask your supplier what is required and make sure any respirator fits and is the right type.
A clean-water supply for flushing is essential. Equipment often includes a large water tank on the nurse tank or applicator and a personal eyewash bottle. Follow the supplier's guidance on how much water to carry and how to use it.
- Splash-proof goggles
- Chemical-resistant gloves and clothing
- Approved respirator when required
- Water supply for immediate flushing
- Personal eyewash
What equipment checks should be done before each job?
Inspect hoses, valves, couplings, gauges and safety devices on the nurse tank and applicator before every use. Look for cracks, wear, leaks or damage. Do not use damaged hoses. Make sure the tank is properly labeled, has the required safety equipment and is hitched with correct, sound hardware.
Do not attempt repairs on pressurized parts. Take equipment to a qualified service provider. Never alter or bypass valves or safety devices.
- Hoses free of damage and within their service life
- Valves and couplings working correctly
- Required safety devices and labels in place
- Hitch, safety chains and tires sound
How do you work safely during transfer and application?
Work upwind when possible and stay aware of wind direction. Keep other people, children and animals away. Avoid working alone, and keep a clear escape route. Follow the supplier's procedures for connecting, transferring and disconnecting.
Never stand in the line of a release. Keep hoses away from the cab and from your face. Park and transport nurse tanks only as required by your state's road rules. Check with your state DOT or highway patrol about towing and marking requirements.
Hitching and towing deserve their own attention. A nurse tank is heavy, and a loose hitch pin or a worn safety chain on a rural road is how a bad day gets worse. Check the hitch, chains, lights and tires every time, and drive slowly on rough ground.
What should you do in an emergency?
Know the plan before the first hookup. If exposed, move to fresh air upwind, flush the eyes and skin with large amounts of water right away and call emergency services. Remove contaminated clothing as the training instructs, without pulling it over the face. Do not rub eyes.
Keep your supplier's number and emergency numbers in the cab. Tell responders what product is involved. Report significant releases as your state requires.
Where can you learn more?
Your fertilizer supplier, your state department of agriculture and your extension office are the best starting points for training. NIOSH and OSHA offer agricultural safety resources, and the National Ag Safety Database collects extension safety materials. If you are unsure about any step, do not proceed. Ask first.
Sources and further reading
Organization homepages are linked so you can search them for current guidance on this topic.