Always assume something will happen. prepare an effective emergency plan for workplaces with anhydrous ammonia-based refrigeration systems. The tank and all of its fittings, including pressure welds, fittings, gauges, hoses, safety valves and metering devices, must withstand a minimum working pressure of 250 psi (Figure 4). Workers in all industries should know that, despite its common usage, ammonia poses health risks and hazards that require proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and safe use and handling procedures. Anhydrous ammonia is used mainly as an agricultural fertiliser, industrial refrigerant and in the manufacture of ammonium nitrate based fertilisers and explosives. Slowly open the bleeder valve on the breakaway coupler unit. Anytime the ammonia refrigeration system is opened to the atmosphere or whenever there is the possibility of exposure, utilize proper line break procedures. The following articles must be on the transport tank: 1) a 5-gallon reservoir of clean water, 2) ammonia-impervious gloves, 3) two full-face piece respirators with ammonia canisters and nonvented goggles. Rain will absorb the ammonia and remove it from the air. The nurse tank running gear should be inspected before each use. The results often are disfiguring. Always wash your hands after using ammonia … 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. Should a mishap occur while transporting anhydrous ammonia, the spill or leak should be approached from upwind whenever possible. Surface defects, such as rust, dents and gouges, reduce the integrity of the tank as a high-pressure container and are not acceptable. Clothing should be heavy duty and of a tightly woven fabric. The clothing should be tightly closed at the cuffs and collar to restrict the entry of anhydrous ammonia. It is stored under pressure to prevent vaporization so a large volume can be available for use. Tires used on nurse tanks are designed for low-speed travel not to exceed 25 mph. Sagging low-pressure discharge hoses are a source of exposure to anhydrous ammonia because the anhydrous ammonia in the sag will flow toward the applicator knife and be released when the machine is lifted out of the ground. Carry the nurse tank hose by the valve body or coupling rather than by the valve wheel or control handle. 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. 4. Incident investigation 10. 5. A storage container must have approved locking devices installed on the main container stop valves whenever the storage facility is unattended unless the container is empty. Bleeder valves are used in several processes of handling anhydrous ammonia. Contractors 12. The roll cage protects gauges and valves if the nurse tank rolls over. Chemical properties and exposure effects are discussed. Ammonia is also flammable at concentrations of approximately 15% to 28% by volume in air. 3. North Dakota Century Code specifies that less than 10 percent of the surface may be corroded or missing paint. inspecting for cracks, broken welds and bent members. Student Focused. They will protect you only in areas of low ammonia concentrations. Anhydrous ammonia (ammonia)1 is an industrial and commercial compound with ever increasing popularity in a multitude of applications. At this temperature it can cause freezing burns. A suggested checklist is provided in Table 5, Nurse Tank Valve and Gauge Safety Checklist. These rules are included in this publication as recommended practices for anyone working with anhydrous ammonia in agriculture. Those who work with anhydrous ammonia must be trained Point the hose end away from you and close the hose end valve. Play it Safe with Anhydrous Ammonia, University Extension, Iowa State University. Anhydrous ammonia contains no water. Anhydrous ammonia has a distinct odor, which humans can detect in concentrations as small as 5 parts per million (ppm). The safety clip will keep the hitch pin from working out and releasing the nurse tank. Dirty water may not flow through the reservoir hose, preventing treatment of the exposure. This includes unvented goggles; rubber gloves; respirator; heavy-duty, long-sleeved shirt; and long pants. The excess flow valve has a five-year replacement requirement. You can let us know your thoughts here. A self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), which supplies the air to be breathed, and a sealed, protective HazMat suit are required for working in a cloud of escaping anhydrous ammonia. PCBUs must: Establish and maintain an inventory, which includes a safety data sheet (SDS), or a condensed version of the SDS, for each substance. The liquid level float gauge indicates the level of liquid anhydrous ammonia in the tank (Figure 8). The rotary gauge (Figure 10) mounted on the end of an anhydrous ammonia tank, bulk tank, nurse tank or applicator tank consists of a dip tube inside the tank and a bleeder valve. 2. 10. ■ Tow no more than two portable tanks behind one vehicle.■ The speed limit is 25 miles per hour.■ The overall length of the entire transporting unit may not exceed 75 feet.■ Nurse tanks can be transported only on public roads between sunrise and sunset.■ A slow moving vehicle (SMV) emblem or a lighted rotating or flashing amber light must be displayed on the rear of the towed nurse tank.■ Safety chains must be used if nurse tanks are towed faster than 15 miles per hour.■ Tanks must be identified in the front and rear and both sides with the words “ANHYDROUS AMMONIA” in letters not less than 2 inches high.■ Tanks must be placarded in the front and rear and on both sides with approved Department of Transportation (DOT) “NON-FLAMMABLE GAS” placards.■ The DOT “NON-FLAMMABLE GAS” placard (“1005” decals) are also required to be on the nurse tank. When anhydrous ammonia is released from compression in a storage tank (200 psi) to the atmosphere (0 psi), the temperature drops from 100 F to minus 28 F. At this temperature, ammonia freeze-burns human skin on contact. It must be replaced every five years if it has nonmetallic seats and tested every five years in lieu of replacement if it has metallic seats. Anhydrous ammonia nurse tanks, therefore, cannot be towed at a speed exceeding 25 miles per hour. Grisso, R.D., D. Morgan and R.D. The odor is the strongest safety feature of the product. Inspect and maintain ammonia storage and processing equipment to prevent leaks and exposures. Open the nurse tank liquid withdrawal valve and hose end valve when ready. 750 feet from any institutional residence. The fire department has self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and protective suits. The protective suits are sealed to keep anhydrous ammonia out. A visual inspection should be completed before each use. Flushing with water is the best and only first aid treatment for an exposure. The respiratory system essentially may be paralyzed due to the pain. A list of the federal laws and regulations related to process safety, accident prevention, emergency planning, and … A two-cartridge respirator is effective only for exposure levels of less than 300 ppm. This valve must have a rain cap in place to prevent damage from moisture and corrosion. Animals and livestock should be removed from the threatened area after people have been taken care of first. Use the in-page search or filters to find what you need. The entire respiratory system is very moist, so anhydrous ammonia will be attracted naturally to that part of the body. Anhydrous Ammonia Anhydrous ("without water") ammonia (NH 3) is a chemical covered under Part 36 - Chemical and Biological Substances of the Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health Regulation. Title Demonstrate knowledge of anhydrous ammonia and safe practices for its use as a refrigerant Level 3 Credits 6 . 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. Anhydrous ammonia may not be transferred from an anhydrous ammonia bulk delivery vehicle to a nurse tank or applicator tank unless the tank is equipped with an approved locking device. Close the nurse tank liquid withdrawal valve, nurse tank hose valve and the applicator flow meter. The liquid fill valve (Figure 4) is used while filling the nurse tank from a bulk storage facility. People credited withthis unit standard are able to d:emonstrate North Dakota Century Code, Chapter 19-20.2, Sections 19-20.2-01 through 19-20.2-10, Anhydrous Ammonia Facilities. At this temperature, the storage pressure is less than 1 psi. AA is stored as a liquid under pressure in tanks and injected directly into the soil. When mixed with lubricating oils, its flammable concentration range is increased. Under the new requirement approved by the bipartisan Joint Committee on Administrative Rules, the state now requires mandatory safety training for Illinois growers and grower farm operators who transport or apply anhydrous ammonia, or otherwise maintain anhydrous ammonia … Exposure to the eyes and respiratory system presents the greatest challenge in administering first aid. The replacement date is stamped on the coupler. Anhydrous ammonia is extremely destructive to animal tissue. It is especially dangerous to the eyes. Background The uncontrolled release of ammonia from refrigeration plant is a critical work health and safety risk. When anhydrous ammonia contacts water, it forms ammonium hydroxide. This valve is on the discharge side of the transfer pump. To ensure operator safety, workers must be trained to handle this product and to follow strict work procedures. This distinguishes it from ammonia/water solutions. As liquid anhydrous ammonia is transferred into the nurse tank, the vapor in the nurse tank is transferred to the bulk storage tank. This water should be changed daily to keep it clean. First-response rescue workers may not be able to treat a serious inhalation exposure. The Fertilizer Institute, 1982. 4. 9. Training 4. The pressure gauge (Figure 4) indicates the interior pressure of the nurse tank. The degree of hazard increases as parts get older. Examine the hose carefully before making connections to find problems that may cause a hose failure. However, never modify the written instructions by changing or eliminating steps. Using Anhydrous Ammonia Safely on the Farm, Minnesota Extension Service, University of Minnesota. Make sure emergency water is available. The vapor return valve is used while filling the nurse tank at a bulk storage facility. Few problems occur when the ammonia is being handled and applied as intended. Anhydrous ammonia – used in manufacturing, refrigeration and agriculture – is a pungent, colorless and toxic gas or liquid that, when concentrated, is corrosive to human tissue upon contact, according to NIOSH. Where is it found? Anhydrous ammonia has the potential to be one of the most dangerous chemicals used in agriculture today. Be sure the couplers are securely reattached. Continue to flush the exposure while in transport. Handling: Immediately report leaks, spills or failures of the safety equipment (e.g. Suitable gloves are made of rubber and are impervious to ammonia, and have long cuffs that should be turned back to prevent drips from running down the arm when hands are elevated. Regularly scheduled maintenance must be conducted to ensure that the gauges and valves on a nurse tank are suitable for service. Do not attempt to remove any clothing that is frozen to the skin. Only the un-vented type of goggles will minimize ammonia exposure to the eyes. It is used and stored under high pressures, which requires specially designed and well-maintained equipment. Pure ammonia -- usually called anhydrous ammonia (AA) -- is rich in nitrogen and is used as a fertilizer. Retail storage tanks and nurse tanks for anhydrous ammonia are built to withstand internal pressures of at least 250 pounds per square inch (psi). Schwab, C.V., M. Hanna and L. Miller, 2002. Start first aid treatment immediately when someone is exposed to anhydrous ammonia. If your workplace stores large amounts of ammonia, make sure that “escape” respirators with supplied air are available to you in case of an accidental release. Leave the system open until the screen is cleaned and replaced. Always use a hitch pin with a safety clip to be sure the nurse tank will not detach from the applicator and the applicator will not detach from the tractor. Notify the hospital that the victim is being transported. Wear personal protective equipment. First aid procedures are described for inhalation exposures, eye and skin contact, or ingestion. In fact, certain practices must be followed during the operation and maintenance of ammonia refrigeration systems. Everything you need to know about worker’s compensation insurance, whether you’re an employer needing to insure your workers or a worker who’s been injured at work. Personal protective equipment also is described, along with safe operating procedures and work practices. Wheel chocks of adequate size must be used on the transport tank and the nurse tank before the transfer processes begin. The use of a safety clip on the hitch pin when towing anhydrous ammonia nurse tanks on and off the road is essential to your safety and that of the public. Open-vented shop goggles never should be used. The victim may hurt too much to breathe. The nurse tank hose should be inspected daily. It should be used immediately and is intended to give the victim time to get to the 5-gallon supply. More anhydrous ammonia is used as fertilizer in North Dakota than any other nitrogen fertilizer source. Offsite consequence 15. This interior pressure is affected by the quantity and temperature of the anhydrous ammonia in the tank. Pesticide-type vented goggles are not suitable because ammonia can pass through the indirect vents. Management of change 6. Eyes are continually bathed in moisture. Why take care of health and wellbeing at work? 7. It will open only when the direction of flow is correct. Check the wind direction. Swallowing ammonia can cause burns to the mouth, throat, and stomach and can be fatal. 50 feet from any adjoining property or any highway or railroad mainline, 2. A spring-loaded valve closes when the coupler separates from the main body to prevent anhydrous ammonia from flowing out of the hose or the applicator. This valve has a five-year replacement requirement. One pair of nonvented goggles that meet ANSI Z87.1 impact specifications, 4. Its chemical formula is NH3, which means that it consists of one atom of nitrogen and three atoms of hydrogen per molecule. The emergency shut-off valve is another valve not found on a nurse or applicator tank (Figure 12). Keep the informative decals on the equipment up to date. A flow in the wrong direction causes the valve to snap shut. A concentration of more than 5,000 ppm will disable a person so that escape is impossible and suffocation results. The roll cage must be strong enough to prevent damage to the gauges and valves. Learn about the Acts, Regulations and codes of practice we are responsible for and find information on workplace inspections and prosecutions. 2. Treatment consists of flushing the affected body area(s) with large quantities of water. 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 purpose for these service life limitations is to keep these parts in good working condition and to minimize the risk of failure. Anhydrous is the Greek word for “without water.” Anhydrous ammonia has a very strong affinity for water. The condition of the applicator knives is important for safety reasons as well as quality application. Anhydrous Ammonia is used in both agriculture as a fertilizer and in industrial facilities as a refrigerant for cooling and freezing. The transport tank must have complete, up-to-date certification and labeling. Anhydrous ammonia is generally safe provided safe storage, handling, operating, and maintenance procedures are in place and being followed. Mechanical Integrity 5. While there are many safety and environmental laws on ammonia, in this article, we will focus on OSHA’s Process Safety Management … The liquid withdrawal valve (Figure 4) connects the nurse tank hose to the interior of the nurse tank for removal of the ammonia. In event of a spill or leak, immediately put on escape-type respirator and exit the area. The extremely low temperature causes frostbite and frozen tissue. Hand tighten the valve wheel; overtightening can damage the valve or seals. –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 valve opens directly to the atmosphere when the tank reaches 250 to 265 psi and closes when the interior pressure drops below 250 psi. The fixed liquid level gauge (Figure 4) should be used to determine the 85 percent full level when filling the tank instead of the liquid level float gauge. The breakaway coupler (Figure 13) is designed to prevent an uncontrolled release when a nurse tank releases from the applicator and the nurse tank hose separates. More information can be obtained by contacting the Anhydrous Ammonia Inspection Office by telephone at (701) 328-0440 or e-mail at [email protected]. These forms must be on record for at least three years and available for review at the facility during normal business hours. 4. Technical guidance for ammonia-based refrigeration systems is available in various Australian Standards including: We appreciate your input into making our site better. To work with liquid or gaseous ammonia, you may require respiratory protection. One cubic foot of anhydrous ammonia in a liquid state produces 855 cubic feet of ammonia gas. 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