Using anhydrous ammonia safely on the farm : Nitrogen : Nutrient Management : Agriculture : University of Minnesota Extension. Extension > Agriculture > Nutrient Management > Nitrogen > Using anhydrous ammonia safely on the farm. By John M. Shutske, Extension Agricultural Health and Safety Specialist. Introduction. Note: The information provided in this bulletin is based on current Minnesota conditions and regulatory requirements at the time of this revision. Anhydrous ammonia has several advantages, including its relatively easy application and ready availability. Anhydrous ammonia is compressed into a clear, colorless liquid when used for an agricultural fertilizer. However, there are also disadvantages and potential dangers involved in handling anhydrous ammonia. It must be stored and handled under high pressure, requiring specially designed and well- maintained equipment. In addition, to ensure their safety, workers must be adequately educated about the procedures and personal protective equipment required to safely handle this product. What is anhydrous ammonia, and why is it so risky to handle? It is a chemical made up of one part nitrogen and three parts hydrogen. The properties of this fertilizer make it one of the most potentially dangerous chemicals used in agriculture. Ammonia gas is colorless and has a sharp, penetrating odor. When used as an agricultural fertilizer, it is compressed into a liquid. In the liquid state, it is stored in specially designed tanks strong enough to withstand internal pressures of at least 2. As the outside temperature increases, the temperature of the liquid in the tank increases and the liquid expands, causing the vapor pressure in the tank to increase. When pressure is released, liquid anhydrous ammonia quickly converts to a gas. To protect yourself and other workers, you must be aware of the hazardous properties of anhydrous ammonia. Consequently, when anhydrous ammonia comes in contact with any moisture, the water and ammonia rapidly combine. When injected into the soil, the liquid ammonia expands into a gas and is readily absorbed in the soil moisture. Similarly, in contact with your eyes, skin, or mucous membranes, ammonia will cause rapid dehydration and severe burns as it combines with the moisture of the body. Buy a 2000 Ford Explorer Shock Absorber at discount prices. Choose top quality brands Bilstein, KYB, Monroe, Motorcraft, OSC Automotive, Pro Comp Suspension, Rancho, Sachs, SenSen, Superlift. Find great deals on eBay for nitrogen regulator nitrogen tank. Shop with confidence. Anhydrous ammonia expands into a gas as it is injected into the soil where it rapidly combines with soil moisture. Anhydrous ammonia boils at minus 2. It must be kept under pressure to be stored as a liquid above this temperature. Certain conditions will not respond to standard treatment for septic shock until the source of infection is surgically removed (eg, intra-abdominal sepsis A selector tool to be used by suppliers and buying organisations preparing a catalogue for upload into PECOS; Updated on 10th September 2008 for use with Excel 2007. Notify me when Deep Dish FR500 Style Anthracite Wheel - 17x10.5 (94-04 All) is back in stock. We're sorry that an item you want is unavailable. Please fill out the form below and we will contact you as soon as it. Hands-on review & original photos from Baselworld 2016 of the Casio G-Shock Frogman GWF-D1000 watch with price, specs, & analysis. Label.autozone.diy.commerce.catalog.droplet.azmetatagsdroplet.shopforGabriel MaxControl Shock/Strut - Rear 77412label.autozone.diy.commerce.catalog.droplet.azmetatagsdroplet.descriptioncontent. Availability: Usually ships in 2-3 business days. High Pressure Nitrogen Regulator Kit (Shock Fill Kit) RHP500 MSRP: $185.00 OUR PRICE: Style Air Valve. Thus, when liquid ammonia strikes the skin, it can instantly freeze exposed tissue. Anhydrous ammonia is caustic and causes severe chemical burns. Body tissues that contain a high percentage of water, such as the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract, are very easily burned. Victims exposed to even small amounts of ammonia require immediate treatment with large quantities of water to minimize the damage. Ammonia is also corrosive to certain metals, such as copper and zinc, and their alloys. Galvanized pipe must not be used for storing or applying ammonia because it contains zinc. Containers should be made of special high- strength steel or other approved material. Operator protection. Because of the hazards associated with handling anhydrous ammonia, operator protection must receive top priority at all times. Chemical- proof goggles, rubber gloves, and a heavy- duty long- sleeved shirt are required for anyone handling anhydrous ammonia. In case of exposure, first aid must be administered immediately. Plenty of water for flushing a person who has been accidently exposed to ammonia should be available at all times. Personal protective equipment such as goggles, rubber gloves, and long- sleeved shirts are essential when handling anhydrous ammonia. It is important to wear tight- fitting, chemical- proof goggles when handling ammonia. Regular glasses provide virtually no protection. Another option is to wear an approved full- face respirator that combines eye and lung protection. Never wear contact lenses when working with ammonia. Anhydrous ammonia can get under the lens and cause permanent eye damage before the lens can be removed. Rubber gloves that are impervious to ammonia are required for handling anhydrous. The gloves should have an extended cuff that can be turned down at the elbow to prevent the chemical from running down your sleeve when your arms are raised. Gloves should have a fairly loose fit so they can be removed quickly in an emergency, but should fit tightly enough to provide adequate protection. You can further protect your arms from ammonia spray by wearing coveralls or a heavy work shirt that covers the arms. Thin dress shirts or short sleeves do not provide protection. Regulations require that all anhydrous ammonia nurse tanks and applicator tanks carry at least one five- gallon container of clean water. This must be readily available for flushing the eyes and skin in case of exposure. The water should be changed daily to ensure a clean supply. It is also recommended that a second five- gallon container of water be kept on the tractor. This will provide the operator with another source of water for first aid in case the operator is unable to reach the one on the nurse or applicator tank. Handlers of ammonia should also carry an eight- ounce eye wash plastic water bottle at all times in case an accidental exposure occurs. Be sure the emergency first aid water tank is full of clean water. If you store bulk quantities of anhydrous ammonia, additional protective equipment is required. A rainsuit and two gas masks with currently dated ammonia canisters must be available for emergency work. The protection from a gas mask is limited, and a mask should only be used in low concentrations. If a serious leak occurs, call your local fire department for assistance. Firefighters have the proper training and equipment, including a self- contained breathing apparatus and protective suit, to deal with major leaks. The operator's manual for anhydrous ammonia equipment should include instructions on proper procedures to follow when handling the product. Review this information before operating the equipment. Note all decals on the equipment that identify valves and gauges involved in transferring ammonia. Decals should clearly identify the first aid water and other protective measures. Container and system requirements. The specially fabricated and designed equipment for handling the high pressures encountered with anhydrous ammonia should meet the appropriate design guidelines provided by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). All parts and contact surfaces must withstand a minimum working pressure of 2. This includes such things as pressure welds, safety valves, gauges, fittings, hoses, and metering devices. Any repair or service work on tanks must be done by a firm with an appropriate repair stamp certification. Fitting, valve, and other component repairs must be done by a qualified technician with training and experience in repairing anhydrous ammonia equipment. All welding on anhydrous ammonia piping must be done by a welder with appropriate ASME- based welding qualifications. Paint anhydrous ammonia tanks white to prevent rusting and to help keep the temperature and pressure down inside the tank during warm weather. All containers used for storing ammonia must be painted white or silver. Light colors reflect heat, helping to keep the temperature and pressure inside the tank at an acceptable level during warm weather. The safety valve is designed to relieve excess pressure from the vapor space of the tank at a predetermined start- to- discharge setting. Regularly scheduled maintenance is necessary to ensure that the tank and other components are ready for ammonia service. As nurse and applicator tanks become older, the hazards increase. Before using ammonia equipment, perform a walk- around inspection to locate any defects. Safety checklists are available from many anhydrous ammonia suppliers. Any parts found defective must be replaced or repaired. If this is not possible, the unit must be taken out of service. Proper care of the pressure relief valve is an important part of maintenance. This valve is designed to relieve excess pressure from the vapor space of the tank at a predetermined pressure setting. Pressure relief valves must be replaced within five years of their installation date, or if you discover any leakage or other defects during an inspection. Hoses are considered the weakest link in the ammonia handling system and should be checked carefully before each use. Ammonia hoses are considered the weakest link in the ammonia handling system. Hoses must be checked carefully before each use to make sure they can be safely used. You should replace hoses if you find bulges, cracks, cuts, soft spots, or blisters. Also, replace any hose that has begun to slip near the coupling. Use only hoses designed for anhydrous ammonia. Each hose should be marked with the words . Hoses reinforced with nylon and stainless steel should be replaced at four and six years respectively, from the date of manufacture, unless defects show up before this time. Safety in the field is under the control of the operator. Defective equipment should be tagged and taken out of service until repaired by qualified personnel. Remember, safety while using ammonia is controlled by the judgment of the operator. If you find a defect, call your distributor for advice. Do not try to undertake a repair yourself. Again, only trained and qualified personnel should make repairs on anhydrous ammonia equipment. Ammonia transfer. Many ammonia accidents involve improper handling procedures. Your first step should always be to wear the proper personal protective equipment! Read your owner's manual and follow instructions. Do not leave the area during the transfer procedure. Check with your dealer if you are not absolutely sure of the correct procedure. Ask for instructions when renting or borrowing equipment.
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