Working With Anhydrous Ammonia

Any person required to handle, transfer, transport, or otherwise work with ammonia shall be trained to understand the properties of ammonia, to become competent in safe operating practices, and to take appropriate action in events of a leak or emergency. These notes are a supplement to a thorough understanding of the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), state and local regulations, and safety training from your local anhydrous ammonia supplier. They are not intended to replace other sources of safety information. Read safety instructions from anhydrous ammonia supplier and equipment supplier. They are included as a reminder of safe working practices.

If you do not fully understand any portion of anhydrous ammonia safety instructions contact your anhydrous ammonia supplier immediately for clarification BEFORE operating machine.

Always follow every safety instruction from MSDS and anhydrous ammonia supplier. Failing to follow all safety instructions can result in machine/property damage, personal injury and/or death. If you do not fully understand any portion of anhydrous ammonia safety instructions contact your anhydrous ammonia supplier immediately for clarification BEFORE operating machine.

1. Anhydrous ammonia poses three distinct hazards to humans.

   1. It is a desiccant and will aggressively attract water from whatever it comes in contact with. Eyes are particularly vulnerable to damage. Any exposed skin surface can also be damaged.

   2. Anhydrous ammonia is typically stored under pressure. When exposed to atmospheric pressure, it boils at -33° C (-28° F). The vaporization will freeze whatever the liquid anhydrous ammonia is in contact with. Each 0.5 kg (1 lb.) of Anhydrous Ammonia that vaporizes is capable of freezing about 1.8 kg (4 lb.) of water. ALWAYS WEAR RUBBER GLOVES when working on anhydrous application systems. Exposed skin is vulnerable.

   3. Danger to the respiratory system may occur if high concentrations of anhydrous ammonia are inhaled.

2. Reduce risk to exposure and injury.

   1. Wear PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).

      • ALWAYS WEAR REQUIRED and APPROVED PPE when working with anhydrous ammonia and anhydrous ammonia equipment. ALWAYS WEAR CHEMICALLY-PROTECTIVE, SPLASH-PROOF GOGGLES when working on equipment. A full face shield (meeting ANSI Z87.1 requirements) may be worn to protect the face but only as secondary eye protection to supplement primary eye protection.
      • PPE includes but is not limited to CHEMICALLY-PROTECTIVE, SPLASH-PROOF GOGGLES and RUBBER GLOVES. An approved full face shield may be worn to protect the face but only as secondary eye protection.
      
      

   2. Take Precautionary Measures.

      • NEVER allow children on or near machine or while running in field.
      • Plan your work with safety in mind. Plan escape routes from any working position and know the location of emergency water sources if they are needed.
      • Always have a container with no less than 19 L (5 gal) of readily available clean water for emergency usage. Carry a squeeze bottle of water at all times.
      • Never fill tank past 85% capacity.
      • Before activating the application system, know the location of bystanders and/or coworkers.
      • Only use approved John Deere and manufacturer’s anhydrous ammonia equipment replacement parts.
      • Replace anhydrous ammonia hoses in accordance with state regulations and/or manufacturer’s recommendations whichever is sooner.
      • Turn off all hose end valves BEFORE transporting, servicing or storing. Use all precautionary measures to prevent accidental opening of shutoff valves.
      • Stay clear of hoses when anhydrous ammonia system is attached. Fertilizer blowing out at high speed can cause eye and other personal injuries.
      • Only personnel trained for and designated to handle emergencies should attempt to stop a leak. Respiratory equipment of a type suitable for ammonia must be worn.
      • Avoid runoff of contaminated water into streams or bodies of water.
      • Report released ammonia to environmental protection or other authorities as required by law.
      
      

   3. Transport and Store Safely.

      • Do not park applicator and/or nurse tank in an enclosed area as toxic or flammable conditions can result.
      • Verify anhydrous ammonia wagons and/or applicators are safe for road travel and securely attached to vehicles drawing them.
      • NEVER tow anhydrous equipment into public places without authorization.
      • When transporting anhydrous ammonia, verify discharge hoses are securely fastened to both ends. Some states require supply hoses to be secured to nurse tank before transporting. Check state and local laws.
      • Turn off all hose end and tank valves prior to transporting, servicing, and storing.
      • Properly bleed system to remove pressure and liquid anhydrous ammonia before servicing and storing. Verify all shut-off ball valves are operating and have released all trapped anhydrous ammonia inside ball.
      
      

   4. Service Equipment Safely.

      • Turn off all hose end and tank valves prior to transporting, servicing, and storing.
      • Properly bleed system to remove pressure and liquid anhydrous ammonia before servicing and storing. Verify all shut-off ball valves are operating and have released all trapped anhydrous ammonia inside ball.
      • NEVER attempt to connect or disconnect coupling until all flow from open bleed valves is stopped and all lines are completely bled.
      • Disconnected hoses may still have liquid anhydrous in them.
      • NEVER look directly into hoses, quick couplers, meters, and shut-off valves.
      • Stay upwind of the fitting you are working on.
      • Never attempt to clear blockage from any hose until pressure has been bled from the system. Plugged fertilizer tubes may have pressurized ammonia behind the plug.
      
      

3. If you come in contact with anhydrous ammonia:

   1. Get away from the exposure.

   2. IRRIGATE THE AFFECTED AREA WITH WATER IMMEDIATELY AND CONSTANTLY. Eyes receive first attention with eyelids held open for flushing.

   3. Seek medical assistance.