A loading platform because climbing or standing on the wheels of nurse tanks is not permitted while filling nurse tanks, 2. Carry the nurse tank hose by the valve body or coupling rather than by the valve wheel or control handle. Using Anhydrous Ammonia Safely on the Farm, Educational Package AG-EP-2192, Agricultural Extension Service, University of Minnesota. Keep the informative decals on the equipment up to date. 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. Five gallons of fresh, clean water are to be kept in the emergency water reservoir on the nurse tank and accessible from the ground, according to North Dakota Century Code. This interior pressure is affected by the quantity and temperature of the anhydrous ammonia in the tank. 3. These rules are included in this publication as recommended practices for anyone working with anhydrous ammonia in agriculture. Wearing protective equipment greatly reduces the chance of injury from an ammonia release. Agricultural producers can transfer anhydrous ammonia only from cargo tanks to nurse tanks when the following safety requirements are met: 1. 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. The nurse tank hose must be made of approved materials and braiding, such as rayon, rylon/Kevlar or stainless steel. NDCC 28-32-02 Chapter 19-20.2 Anhydrous Ammonia Facilities. However, never modify the written instructions by changing or eliminating steps. anhydrous ammonia. The tool is being updated by WHSQ and is temporarily unavailable. A list of the federal laws and regulations related to process safety, accident prevention, emergency planning, and … One pair of nonvented goggles that meet ANSI Z87.1 impact specifications, 4. The transfer process must be done on a firm, well-prepared, level surface during daylight hours on the owner’s or consignee’s property; The following minimum setback distances apply to transfer facilities: 1. See Table 7 for a checklist to prevent forgetting a safety check. The burns will result in damage to the eyes, such as cataracts, glaucoma and possibly some permanent vision loss and disfigurement. The breakaway coupler is dated and has a service life of three years. After the ammonia has been drained from the hose and breakaway coupler body, clean all soil and debris from the hose end and breakaway coupler fitting. The bolts and nuts that attach the tank to the frame are especially subject to loosening or breaking. Land Grant. Ammonia can be mixed with water and sold as ammonium hydroxide, or used in compressed gas as anhydrous ammonia (meaning without water). These decisions should be made by emergency personnel, such as a local fire department. 1. Countless tons of anhydrous ammonia are applied every crop year without problems; safe procedures and good-quality equipment do work. Schwab, C.V., M. Hanna and L. Miller, 2002. The goggles and gloves are to be kept in a safety equipment container mounted on each nurse tank and be accessible from the ground. Always attach safety chains when towing anhydrous ammonia nurse tanks on public roads. Anhydrous ammonia attacks any moist part of the body: eyes, ears, nose, throat, bronchia, lungs, any moist skin. 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. The pilot project is coordinated by the North Dakota Insurance Commission, Anhydrous Ammonia Inspection Office, State Capitol, Fifth Floor, 600 East Boulevard Ave., Bismarck, ND 58505-0320. 50 feet from any adjoining property or any highway or railroad mainline, 2. At a concentration of only 50 parts per million (ppm), one sniff tells what is in the air. 6. Anhydrous ammonia is classified as a hazardous substance. The training must cover the specific health hazards, emergency operations, and safe work practices applicable to the employee’s job tasks. The following items are required at anhydrous ammonia bulk storage facilities: 1. As a refrigerant, it can be found at ice works, cold stores and various food processing facilities (e.g. While there are many safety and environmental laws on ammonia, in this article, we will focus on OSHA’s Process Safety Management … They will protect you only in areas of low ammonia concentrations. When anhydrous ammonia comes in contact with water, it forms an alkali that chemically burns animal tissue. Make arrangements to transport the victim to a doctor or hospital immediately after exposure. Make sure emergency water is available. Do not apply salves, creams or ointments of any kind to the injury. 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The water provided with each nurse tank or other container will not be enough. Do not continue filling the tank after the valve releases liquid anhydrous ammonia. Regulations’) and the Health and Safety in Employment (Pressure Equipment, Cranes, and Passenger Ropeways) Regulations 1999 (‘PECPR’). Anhydrous ammonia causes freezing and chemical burn wherever skin and clothing are moist. A respirator equipped with anhydrous ammonia cartridges approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is designed only for low-level exposures not to exceed more than 300 ppm. Anhydrous ammonia is generally safe provided safe storage, handling, operating, and maintenance procedures are in place and being followed. All valves must be identified as to liquid or vapor service. This valve has a five-year replacement requirement. Toggle menu for What are hazardous manual tasks? Most uncontrolled releases are due to improper procedures, careless or untrained workers, or faulty equipment. It serves as an effective industrial refrigerant gas, which presents unique challenges to safely manage. Another 5 gallons should be maintained on the tractor for use when the nurse tank water may not be easily accessible or runs out. The nurse tank running gear should be inspected before each use. North Dakota Century Code, Article 7-12, Chapters 7-12-01 through 7-12-01-08, Anhydrous Ammonia Regulation. Anhydrous ammonia is also corrosive to the skin, eyes and lungs. If eyes have been exposed to anhydrous ammonia, they must be flushed with water immediately and continually and the victim must be taken to a doctor immediately. The excess flow valve has a five-year replacement requirement. Always position yourself upwind or across wind from a bleeder valve to be opened. 3. Anhydrous ammonia has a distinct odor, which humans can detect in concentrations as small as 5 parts per million (ppm). Workplaces with ammonia-based refrigeration systems must have a documented emergency plan in place to mitigate the effects on people and the environment in the event of a release of anhydrous ammonia into the atmosphere. This section offers information and tools to help you manage risks and protect health, safety and wellbeing. Iowa Fertilizer and Chemical Association. The gauge is accurate only if the tank is level. This unit standard is for people who work with ammonia as a refrigerant within the refrigeration industries. –Step-by-step instructions are provided for each procedure: •Connecting a nurse tank to an applicator unit •Bleed off procedures •Disconnecting a nurse tank from an applicator unit •Re-coupling breakaway coupler •Emergency shut-off systems. The liquid fill valve (Figure 4) is used while filling the nurse tank from a bulk storage facility. 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