Farm Horizons • Feb. 6, 2017 • Page 19
Safety precautions should be taken when applying anhydrous ammonia to prevent a leak, such as the one that occurred Nov. 14 a mile north of Brownton.
STOCK PHOTO
“ I think, overall, it did go very well,” Mathews said, noting that fire department training for such situations paid off.
Such situations are fairly uncommon. Mathews recalls two or three incidents over the past 10 years.
University of Minnesota Extension offers a number of safety tips regarding anhydrous ammonia.
First, it must be stored and handled under high pressure, requiring specially designed and well-maintained equipment.
Because anhydrous ammonia is caustic and causes severe chemical burns, chemicalproof goggles or full-face respirator, rubber gloves, and a heavy-duty long-sleeved shirt are required for anyone handling anhydrous ammonia.
Regulations require all anhydrous ammonia nurse tanks and applicator tanks carry at least one five-gallon container of clean water for flushing eyes and skin in case of exposure. A second 5-gallon container of water should be kept on the tractor, and water in both containers should be changed daily. Handlers should also carry an 8-ounce eye-wash plastic water bottle at all times, in case of an accidental exposure. For those storing bulk quantities of anhydrous ammonia, a rainsuit and two gas masks with currently dated ammonia canisters must be available for emergency work. Regularly-scheduled maintenance is needed to ensure the tank and components are ready for service. Before using ammonia equipment, perform a walkaround inspection using a safety checklist from an anhydrous ammonia supplier to locate any defects.
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