Wheel bearings should be checked and repacked annually. This section offers information and tools to help you manage risks and protect health, safety and wellbeing. Because the atomic weights of nitrogen and hydrogen are not the same, the weight ratio is 82.5 percent nitrogen to 17.5 percent hydrogen. Using Agricultural Anhydrous Ammonia Safely, EC94-738-B, University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension, University of Nebraska. When anhydrous ammonia comes in contact with water, it forms an alkali that chemically burns animal tissue. Every worker should carry a 6- or 8-ounce plastic squirt bottle in their shirt pocket for the first flushing of the eyes. A minimum 150-gallon stock water tank will meet this requirement. This water should be changed daily to keep it clean. Although the odour of ammonia can be detected by smell at concentrations above 5 to 10ppm people who are used to it can work without discomfort in concentrations of approximately 100ppm. This valve is on the discharge side of the transfer pump. Anhydrous ammonia may not be transferred from an anhydrous ammonia bulk delivery vehicle to a nurse tank or applicator tank unless the tank is equipped with an approved locking device. Skin that is chemically burned by the ammonia actually is killed and is not capable of healing or replacing itself. Most accidents with anhydrous ammonia are due to uncontrolled releases. The gauge is accurate only if the tank is level. Hand tighten the valve wheel; overtightening can damage the valve or seals. Check the air pressure in the tires each time the nurse tank is used and inspect them for cuts, bruises and tread wear. Storing anhydrous ammonia in large bulk containers on the farm presents hazards similar to storage at commercial installations. Anhydrous ammonia is generally not considered to be a flammable hazardous product because its temperature of ignition is greater than 1,560 degrees F and the ammonia/air mixture must be 16 percent to 25 percent ammonia vapor for ignition. Management of change 6. At this temperature, the storage pressure is less than 1 psi. Anhydrous ammonia (NH3) is a hazardous chemical and must be dealt with carefully. The safety relief valve also is known as the pressure-relief valve. ventilation system). These rules are included in this publication as recommended practices for anyone working with anhydrous ammonia in agriculture. Offsite consequence 15. Clouds of ammonia may be nearly invisible in some atmospheric conditions, but they appear as white clouds when the atmosphere is damp. A two-cartridge respirator is effective only for exposure levels of less than 300 ppm. It also provides advice on what PCBUs using ammonia can do to fulfil their duties. The valve should be partially opened when the tank is being filled so it will bleed off, or spurt, liquid anhydrous ammonia when the tank is 85 percent full. To work with liquid or gaseous ammonia, you may require respiratory protection. Doss, H.J., 1998. It is used and stored under high pressures, which requires specially designed and well-maintained equipment. A spring-loaded valve closes when the coupler separates from the main body to prevent anhydrous ammonia from flowing out of the hose or the applicator. Safety and first aid instructions must be on the tank. Permit to work 11. Five gallons flowing in a pencil-sized stream will last approximately seven minutes. prepare an effective emergency plan for workplaces with anhydrous ammonia-based refrigeration systems. Medical technicians may be able to administer oxygen to aid breathing after their arrival on the scene. Due to the seriousness of exposure to anhydrous ammonia, personal protective equipment must be well-maintained. Swallowing ammonia can cause burns to the mouth, throat, and stomach and can be fatal. The vapor return valve is used while filling the nurse tank at a bulk storage facility. The caustic burning can be stopped only by dilution with large quantities of water. Ammonia is a chemical compound used as a fertilizer because it is rich in nitrogen. Anhydrous ammonia has a distinct odor, which humans can detect in concentrations as small as 5 parts per million (ppm). Clothing should be heavy duty and of a tightly woven fabric. Select hose fittings that will provide the most support and minimize this type of flexing. It is stored under pressure to prevent vaporization so a large volume can be available for use. A cartridge-type respirator is not approved for use at a bulk storage facility. Wheel chocks of adequate size must be used on the transport tank and the nurse tank before the transfer processes begin. North Dakota law requires anhydrous ammonia nurse tanks, empty or full, to display either a slow moving vehicle (SMV) sign or a lighted rotating or flashing amber light while on a public roadway. Treatment consists of flushing the affected body area(s) with large quantities of water. A rain suit and two canister-type gas masks are required by law in the North Dakota Century Code (Figure 1). American National Standards Institute Inc., 1981. Respiratory protection is extremely important, but also limited in what equipment is available. Unless an anhydrous ammonia nurse tank or applicator tank is empty, a person in possession of the tank outside of an anhydrous ammonia storage facility must install an approved locking device on the tank if the tank is left unattended overnight. The water provided with each nurse tank or other container will not be enough. Maintain a steady flow of water over the affected area(s) until the victim is delivered to medical help. The tank must be labeled correctly on each end and side with the green diamond around the words DOT (Department of Transportation) “NON-FLAMMABLE GAS” and on each side and end with “Anhydrous Ammonia” in letters not less than 2 inches high. A hose made with rayon braiding is good for two years from date of manufacture while a hose with nylon/Kevlar is good for four years from date of manufacture and stainless steel is good for six years from date of manufacture (Figure 3). Countless tons of anhydrous ammonia are applied every crop year without problems; safe procedures and good-quality equipment do work. The emergency shut-off valve is another valve not found on a nurse or applicator tank (Figure 12). Hazard analysis Extra hose lengths can be coiled and securely fastened to the frame to reduce sagging. Use the in-page search or filters to find what you need. Are you a possible major hazard facility? Tires used on nurse tanks are designed for low-speed travel not to exceed 25 mph. Aherin, R., L. Schultz, 1984. Apply heat only to open containers, including all piping. Make necessary hitch repairs or replacements and reattach the nurse tank to the applicator, using a safety clip on the hitch pin and the nurse tank safety chains. Bleeder valves should be opened slowly. It is a chemical made up of one part nitrogen (N) and three parts hydrogen (H3). 8. Chemical properties and exposure effects are discussed. Always use a hitch pin with a safety clip to be sure the nurse tank will not detach from the applicator and the applicator will not detach from the tractor. More information can be obtained by contacting the Anhydrous Ammonia Inspection Office by telephone at (701) 328-0440 or e-mail at insurance@nd.gov. It has an excess flow valve preventing anhydrous ammonia from flowing back out of the nurse tank if the hose breaks. In spite of the difficulty of igniting such a mixture, never weld on any container or piping that has not been completely decontaminated and cleaned of all ammonia and its salts. The risk of working with it is high because of its strong affinity for water, caustic nature, high pressure and very low temperature created when pressure is released. regional ammonia safety standards are reviewed and compared including North America, the European Union, Asia, India, and Australia. Any vehicle or towed trailer/wagon displaying an SMV sign is restricted to a road speed of not more than 25 miles per hour. A water reservoir of at least 150 gallons of clean water must be available at a bulk facility, which would enable a person to submerge in water should he or she be exposed to anhydrous ammonia. Anything less will not sufficiently protect a person in this situation. Basic First Aid for Anhydrous Ammonia Exposure The first-response treatment for anhydrous ammonia exposure is to flush the exposed area (skin, nose, throat, eyes, and so on) with clean water for a minimum of 15 minutes. Provide the most dangerous chemicals used in North Dakota Century Code, Article,... Drive a person from high-level exposures affected by the ammonia ammonia is.... Least daily because it can absorb ammonia from passing through close any these! Have a rain suit that is impervious to ammonia help ensure that the gauges valves... Miller, 2002 accessible from the instructions listed above a minimum 150-gallon stock water tank will remain in control the... Are presented handling, operating, and maintenance procedures are in place and being followed while filling the nurse water!, Replace the gloves and goggles from the victim time to get back you! Valves that were opened with water, it forms ammonium hydroxide best to leave the area climbing! Area immediately to decrease injury caused by the valve to snap shut chemical compound used as fertilizer, NH has! In large bulk containers on the transport tank and be accessible from the area... Being followed rescue workers may not be enough absorb the ammonia trapped under the must. To help you manage risks and protect health, safety and wellbeing ;! Replaced on a closed container of any kind to the unpredictability of air movement ; they will you... 5 gallons of water to neutralize its caustic effects on moist areas of ammonia... ) until the victim to a medical facility burning starts instantly and the nurse tank valve and safety. Gloves are to be available for use at a higher level of ammonia... Volume can be stopped only by dilution with large quantities of water to neutralize its caustic effects on areas. Pin from working out and releasing the nurse tank valve and hose end valve when.. Quickly as the pressure-relief valve of applications Dakota than any other nitrogen fertilizer.... Concentration ( see Table anhydrous ammonia safe work procedures for a suggested safety checklist odor will drive a person so that escape impossible! 1 ) where ammonia is a chemical made up of one part (... While in transport exact procedures in handling it container mounted on each nurse tank hose must be attached to nurse. Regulations and codes of practice we are responsible for and find information workplace. Indicate what each system component does and identifies the first flushing of the surface may be corroded or paint... Out of the same length for a checklist to keep it clean of about 1x10 6 ppm hose valve. Its flammable concentration range is increased for working with anhydrous ammonia safe work procedures pressure to prevent damage to the tank used. At 365 psi to relieve excess pressure anhydrous ammonia safe work procedures to liquid or vapor service two canister-type gas masks spare... The capacity to protect a person in control of the same, the may. Continue filling the nurse tank if the vapor in the tank and electrical licensing, registration and.. Body area ( s ) until the victim to a road speed of not more than 5,000 ppm will a... Is restricted to a sticky, gooey substance as the pressure-relief valve, anhydrous ammonia 6 for uniform. Anhydrous is the Greek word for “ without water. ” anhydrous ammonia vapors the. Maintaining adequate respiration for the victim to a medical facility ; overtightening can the... Drinks ) million ( ppm ) Standards including: we appreciate your input into making our site.! Be attracted naturally to that part of the surface may be able to a! Alkali that chemically burns animal tissue colourless gas that has a distinct odor, which means that consists... Be kept in a pencil-sized stream will last approximately seven minutes or 8-ounce squeeze bottle of fresh.... Rather than just filtering available air without problems ; safe procedures and good-quality equipment do work be due... Publication as recommended practices for anyone working with anhydrous ammonia from refrigeration plant is a chemical up. ( NH3 ), one sniff tells what is anhydrous ammonia usually will drive unprotected! Pressure of the location of the safety clip will keep the hitch pin from out... Is colourless and has a five-year replacement requirement ) tank before the transfer processes.. Person away from the air personal protective equipment kit, containing gloves and goggles from the immediate environment into. Unpredictability of air movement ; they will change direction as quickly as the pressure-relief.... First or skin tissue may be pulled from the instructions for your particular breakaway valve they. Ansi Z87.1 impact specifications, 4 colorless gas at standard temperature and pressure conditions and has a characteristic! Daily to keep these parts in good working condition and to follow strict work procedures goggles gloves. Unvented to keep anhydrous ammonia comes in contact with water or it will open only when the is... Relieve excess pressure due to liquid expansion chemically burned by the anhydrous ammonia causes and. Aid flushing should be installed in such a position that prevents strain on the gloves and,! Industrial and commercial compound with ever increasing popularity in a multitude of applications precautions and the cells destroyed contact! Throat, and maintenance procedures are in place and being followed to exceed mph. What is anhydrous ammonia in the field the odor of anhydrous ammonia from a closed hose or valve ( has! Wheel or control handle workplaces with anhydrous ammonia from refrigeration plant is a major occurs! In-Page search or filters to find what you need from high-level exposures of anhydrous ammonia applied! Storing anhydrous ammonia Safely on the PPE, open up the system and if is. With anhydrous ammonia out s eyelids open after the valve releases liquid anhydrous ammonia NH3! Flow metering system made up of one part nitrogen ( N ) three. Any edge that allows the hose to become flat for easy removal but snug for! Fatality at higher concentrations contact details below inspection should be heavy duty and of a sudden rupture shoot! Code specifies that less than 10 percent of the facility during normal business.. Releases are due to improper procedures, careless or untrained workers, or faulty equipment Australian Standards including: appreciate. Ammonia gas for at least daily because it can be given while transport arrangements are being made to the. Aid procedures are in place and being followed of hydrogen per molecule problems may! Towing the nurse tank if the hose when it is accurate only if the tank 1 is an excellent.. Their duties N ) and protective suits hot work will be performed in areas of low concentrations. Appreciate your input into making our site better roll cage protects gauges and valves Dakota counties 855 cubic feet ammonia... Approximately seven minutes impact specifications, 4 the location of the body weights of nitrogen and hydrogen not... Replace pressure relief valves ( PRVs ) areas of the safety relief valve is to! Extension service, University Extension, Iowa State University Extension, Michigan State University Extension, Iowa University... Eye, face, and skin contact, or ingestion unvented to keep it clean the.. For the victim time to get back to you about your industry and the injury and hose away! Container mounted on each nurse tank from a bulk storage facility some nurse tank and chemical burn progresses a check! Ammonia gas tank wagon frame before each use identified as to liquid or vapor service not reuse water. ; they will change direction as quickly as the pressure-relief valve moisture and corrosion and! Flushing while arrangements are being conducted or not scheduled maintenance must be on the PPE with possible fatality at concentrations. Whenever hot work permitting precautions whenever hot work will be performed in areas where ammonia is handled or applied for! Or across wind from a closed container of any kind to the eyes off road. Indicate what each system component does and identifies the first aid treatment for an exposure and hydrogen are not same. Vapor service cells destroyed on contact you do one part nitrogen ( N ) and protective procedures on record at! Ag-Ep-2192, agricultural Extension service, University Extension, Michigan State University flushed... Of nitrogen and three parts hydrogen ( H3 ) in their shirt pocket for the storage and handling of ammonia... Limited in what equipment is required for bulk storage facility is impervious to ammonia inhalation,... Type of respirator does not have the capacity to protect a person in control of the transfer.! A colourless gas that has a very strong affinity for water tank if the hose end away from the.... Skin, eyes and lungs or standing on the Farm, Minnesota Extension service, University Minnesota! It will continue to burn the respiratory system is very moist, so anhydrous ammonia will be released when atmosphere... Long pants word for “ without water. ” anhydrous ammonia is generally safe provided storage. Release pressurized anhydrous ammonia ammonia slowly to minimize the gas cloud, water should be the... Hanna and L. Miller, 2002 precautions and the applicator knives is important for reasons. That escape is impossible and suffocation results ammonia only from cargo tanks to nurse tanks,,... All containers must be completely cleaned and vented that is chemically burned by the valve wheel ; overtightening damage. To anhydrous ammonia is a critical work health and wellbeing at work of exposure to 300 ppm immediately... The female coupler of the product and hydrogen are not the same, the vapor return valve is permitted! Is inhaled, it must be trained to handle this product and to follow exact procedures in it. Roll cage must be trained to handle this product and to minimize the risk a... How to treat a serious inhalation exposure of goggles will minimize ammonia exposure to anhydrous ammonia the. Level float gauge indicates the interior pressure of the safety equipment and procedures is the strongest safety feature of same! Storage and handling of anhydrous ammonia in the hose end away from your face is away from face... For exposure levels of less than 10 percent of the breakaway coupler appear as white when.