Iowa
State University Extension
In
the rush to apply liquid fertilizer during the busy planting
season, always take time for safety around anhydrous ammonia.
Each
year, a number of Iowans are injured when they are exposed
to anhydrous ammonia. According to records kept by the Iowa
Department of Public Health, 55 people have been injured within
the past three years from anhydrous ammonia. Of those injuries,
19 required hospitalization.
The
most serious injuries include permanent loss of eyesight or
third-degree burns when the liquid fertilizer comes in contact
with skin, eyes, nose or mouth. Death also can occur if a
large amount is inhaled.
Most
of the recent accidents in Iowa that involved anhydrous ammonia
occurred in driveways or fields as a result of equipment failure.
This would include eruptions from a leaky hose, valve or nozzle.
Some accidents occur while the operator fills the applicator
tank, however, this is when protective gear is most likely
to be worn.
For
more information about how to be safe around anhydrous ammonia,
read instructions that come from your chemical supplier or
dealer. A new SAFE FARM publication, Play it Safe with Anhydrous
Ammonia, Pm-1518d, also is available at local Extension offices.
Single copies of the publication are free.
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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