Are you ready to make anhydrous ammonia applications safely this year? What if something unforeseen happens, such as a valve breaking off or a hose puncturing on a turn? Do you know what to do first?
Here’s how to make sure you are prepared. Before going to the field, start with a thorough precheck of equipment that might prevent an incident. Here are more tips from two Iowa State University Extension field agronomists: Angie Rieck-Hinz, north-central Iowa, and Joshua Michel, northeast Iowa.
Here are 14 tips to ensure safer application of anhydrous ammonia:
1. Understand the product. Remember that at normal temperatures, anhydrous ammonia is a colorless gas that is lighter than air. In pressurized tanks, it is a liquid. Once outside the system, it becomes a gas again and can move quickly. Windy conditions move it faster.
2. Wear proper clothing. Always wear gloves and ventless goggles rated for NH3 exposure. Gloves should have long cuffs that you can roll up to catch drips. Choose long pants, a long-sleeved shirt and closed-toe shoes.
3. Do not wear contact lenses. Never wear contacts when working around anhydrous ammonia. Eyes are a key target for escaping vapors, which seek water sources.
4. If an accident occurs, flush. If you come in contact with anhydrous ammonia, your first action should be flushing all exposed areas with water for at least 15 minutes. Always carry a personal eyewash bottle when working with NH3 and application equipment. This can buy you time to get to your emergency water supply.
5. Leave injured skin alone. Never apply oils, ointments or lotions to affected areas. Doing so could make the injury worse.
6. Have a water supply. Each anhydrous tank must contain a 5-gallon water reservoir. If a tank does not have one, let someone know and opt for another tank.
7. Check water tank. Before leaving the supplier, make sure the mandatory tank is full of water and easily accessible.
8. Consider emergency water supply. Having clean water for flushing eyes and skin as quickly as possible after exposure is critical; consider carrying an extra 5-gallon reservoir in the cab. This is especially important should you apply in potentially freezing weather that may cause the external reservoir on the anhydrous tank to freeze.
9. Have water for maintenance activities too. Make sure you have a supply of fresh water available even if you are only doing routine maintenance or repairs of the applicator or tank.
10. Hitch properly. Always use safety chains and a locking hitch pin when pulling nurse tanks. The hitch pin should be approved, not a big-box store special.
11. Travel safely on the road. Never travel more than 30 miles per hour when pulling anhydrous tanks. Display a slow-moving vehicle sign. If traveling and applying at night, make sure all equipment has appropriate lighting.
12. Call 911 for help. If an incident occurs, call 911 immediately. Stay upwind from the leak.
13. Know rescue protocol. Rieck-Hinz and Michel emphasize that you should not attempt to rescue someone exposed to a continuous stream of anhydrous ammonia. You may become a victim too. Rescuers need a self-contained breathing apparatus and proper protective clothing.
14. Seek medical attention. Even if exposure was brief, seek medical help for any injury.