Safety
AROUND YOUR HOME

Safety when handling and applying anhydrous ammonia

Bill Brink

Anhydrous ammonia is one of the most common forms of nitrogen fertilizer used by Illinois farmers. It is also one of the most dangerous chemicals handled on the farm and precautions must be taken.

Anhydrous ammonia is a liquid while stored under pressure. When released into the air, it forms a sharp odorous gas that irritates the eyes and nose. Because anhydrous ammonia boils at — 28 degrees F., it freezes the skin instantly. Anhydrous also dehydrates and deteriorates skin tissues and soft tissues such as the eyes and mouth.

Accidents involving anhydrous ammonia usually happen because of pressure buildup in an overfilled tank, worn or broken hoses, or failure to bleed the hose couplings before disconnecting. Other causes include pressure on tubing from plugged knives or an overturned nurse tank.

As long as anhydrous ammonia is in contact with the skin, tissues will be destroyed. Water is the only emergency treatment to suppress anhydrous injury. Farmers should have at least five gallons of potable water with them when applying anhydrous. For emergency treatment, flush the exposed body area continuously for at least 15 minutes. This will dilute the ammonia, lessen its damage, and eventually wash it away.

If ammonia gets into the eyes, treat immediately — anhydrous can cause permanent blindness. Carry a plastic squeeze bottle full of water in the shirt pocket for immediate action until you can get to a larger water supply. Since ammonia causes eyes to close involuntarily, force the eyes open and hold them to wash properly. If water is not available, flush the eyes with cool coffee or fruit juices.

Remove clothes that are saturated with anhydrous ammonia. If they have frozen to the skin, thaw by pouring water on them. Do not apply ointments or oils to anhydrous burns for at least 24 hours because it may cause deeper burns.

Because of the hazards associated with handling anhydrous ammonia, operator protection must be planned and followed consistently. A face shield or goggles, rubber gloves, and a heavy-duty long sleeve shirt are recommended for operators.

Properly fitting goggles or a face shield must be worn when working closely with ammonia. A face shield will help prevent inhalation of a direct blast of ammonia and will also reduce possible eye exposure.

Loose-fitting, rubber gloves with an extended cuff are recommended for handling anhydrous ammonia. The extended cuff should be turned down so ammonia does not run down the sleeve when the arms are raised. Gloves that fit loosely can be removed quickly in case of emergency.

Further protection of the arms can be provided by heavy-duty clothing such as coveralls or a work shirt. Thin dress shirts do not give satisfactory protection.

The ammonia supplier is responsible to see that tanks and applicators meet federal and state standards. However, farmers should help the supplier by inspecting the equipment also. Here are some items to check:

• Are hitches secured with locking pins and safety chains?

• Are SMV signs correctly mounted and visible?

• Are nurse tanks clearly identified as containing ammonia?

• Is there at least five gallons of water on the tanks?

• Are fittings and knives clean and in good repair?

• Are hoses secure and in good repair?

• Is the applicator shut-off rope in good repair and accessible to the operator?

Bill Brink is an extension educator, Crop Systems, at Springfield Extension Center, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Illinois. E-mail:brinkw@idea. ag.uiuc.edu

14 ILLINOIS COUNTRY LIVING MARCH 1998