ACRE Safety Thought #59

Anhydrous Ammonia is a great source of nitrogen, but its use comes with additional exposure and risk factors. The physical characteristics of anhydrous ammonia cause users to handle it, in a way, like bottled propane. It is a liquid under pressure that boils off into the gas stage at a low temperature when released in the soil or air. Users must protect their eyes, skin, and airway from exposure. Users should carry a small eye wash bottle on their person. Users should have a supply of safety water on the applicator. Users must be aware of safe handling practices before applying anhydrous ammonia. The safety factor that helps make anhydrous ammonia a usable product is its terrible odor. The human body can sense ammonia at very low concentrations. When sensed by workers, they should seek escape from the concentrated area. If field workers are in an area when ammonia is being applied in a nearby field they should be aware of wind conditions and the odor of ammonia. Likewise applicators need to consider the exposure risk of nearby workers and delay application until the area is clear or ask those workers to leave the area until the application is complete. Think, plan, train, and work safely at ACRE. Jim