Iowa
State University Extension
It's
essential to wear protective gear when you work with anhydrous
ammonia, but you also must know what to do in case of an accidental
spill. If you're well prepared and can act quickly, you may
be able to prevent serious injury.
The
word "anhydrous" literally means "without water." The chemical
will draw moisture from the nearest source, including the
human body. Contact with skin can cause third-degree burns,
leading to blindness if it reaches the eyes, or death by suffocation
if inhaled.
Thoroughly
rinsing the exposed areas with water for at least 15 to 20
minutes is the best way to avoid serious skin and eye injuries.
However, it's critical to flood the area immediately after
an accident.
Eyesight
can be lost in a matter of seconds, so you must always be
within arm's reach of water or some other non-toxic fluid.
Here
are some helpful tips:
- Carry
a 6- to 8-ounce squirt bottle of water in your shirt pocket
to use until you can reach a larger water supply.
- Always
keep a five-gallon supply with your tractor or truck.
- Make
sure there's a five-gallon water tank attached to the ammonia
nurse tank, which is required by state law. Make sure the
supply is fresh.
- Remember
that you can use other non-toxic, non-caustic fluids, such
as cold coffee or juice, for first aid. Be aware of nearby
sources of water, such as farm ponds or streams.
- Continue
rinsing the exposed area until the injured person gets medical
attention. Explain the source of the burn to health professionals.
Disclaimer
and Reproduction Information: Information in NASD does not
represent NIOSH policy. Information included in NASD appears
by permission of the author and/or copyright holder. More
NASD Review: 04/2002
This
news release was distributed by Iowa State University Extension
as part of the Safe Farm Program. Safe Farm promotes health
and safety in agriculture. It is funded by the National Institute
for Occupational Safety and Health, Iowa State University,
and a network of groups that serve Iowa farm workers and their
families. Distribution date: April 1993.
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