[Picture of a sign: “Caution. Anhydrous Ammonia.”]
Why is Anhydrous Ammonia Hazardous?
Anhydrous means “without water.” Anhydrous Ammonia will remove the moisture from anything it comes into contact with, causing freeze burns to skin, eyes, or the respiratory system.
Safety Starters
- Anhydrous ammonia has the potential to be one of the most dangerous chemicals used in agriculture today.
- Few problems occur when anhydrous ammonia is being handled and applied as intended.
- Those who work with anhydrous ammonia must be trained to follow exact handling procedures.
Anhydrous Ammonia Safety Basics
- Proper Training.
- Respect for the Product.
- Wear Protective Gear.
- Slow Down
Prevent Exposure by Wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Unvented goggles or full-face shield.
- Long-cuffed gloves, impervious to ammonia.
- Heavy duty long sleeved shirt and pants.
- Do not wear contact lenses.
- Protective boots, slicker suit.
Prevent Uncontrolled Releases
- Utilize safe handling practices, transportation, and maintenance.
- Properly place the safety clip in the hitch pin; cross and secure safety chains.
- Maintain a safe speed.
- Perform safety inspections of the nurse tank, hose, running gear, and toolbar and or applicator.
- Work upwind of equipment, in case of a release.
- Understand and follow proper handling procedures.
- Never assume N H 3 lines are empty.
First Aid: Water, Water, Water
- Have emergency water for flushing exposures.
- Carry at least a six to eight ounce squeeze bottle of fresh water at all times.
- In the event of an exposure:
- Flush area with large quantities of wtaer for at least fifteen minutes.
- Seek medical attention right away.
- Do not apply salves, creams, or ointments to the injury.
Keep Children Away!
- Children are much more vulnerable to N H 3 injury due to their larger surface area to body weight ratio.
- A child’s respiratory system will suffer the effects of N H 3 exposure more so than an adult because children have a narrower airway and greater lung surface area relative to their body weight.
[The Fine Print]
This material was produced under a Susan Harwood Training Grant (S H – 9 9 0 8 4 – S H 0) from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor. It does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Department of Labor, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U. S. Government.
The National Education Center for Agricultural Safety (N E C A )
8 3 4 2 N I C C Drive, Peosta, IA 52068. 8 8 8 8 4 4 6 3 2 2. www.necasag.org | @ n e c a s a
[Logo: The National Education Center for Agricultural Safety.]