NIOSH Education and Information Division
Anhydrous
means "without water."' Because NH3 CONTAINS NO
WATER, it is attracted to any form of moisture. If exposed
to NH3 -- immediately flush the exposed
body area(s) with water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical
attention immediately after emergency first aid treatment.
Don't
be blind to the dangers of Anhydrous Ammonia! Potential health
hazards are:
- Blindness,
- Lung
Damage,
- Burns,
and
- Death
- Wear
personal protective equipment,
- Always
have ample water supply,
- Inspect
and replace hoses and valves as needed,
- Never
fill a tank over 85 percent of capacity,
- Bleed
off hose pressure before disconnecting,
- Stay
clear of hose and valve openings,
- Follow
regulations when using equipment,
- Have
qualified technician repair tank, and
- Use
proper hitch, safety chains and Slow Moving Vehicle sign
when towing.
Equipment
should:
- be
additives compatible
- meet
NH3 codes and standards
Any
equipment replacement MUST be made "IN KIND":
- same
materials of construction
- same
specifications
Nurse
tank cutting or welding is only to be done by certified welder
with R-stamp or Ustamp, or equivalent...if baffle is detached...
remove tank from service.
Extra
caution is needed when using additives in fill valves to minimize
corrosion:
- flush
with additive-free ammonia, or
- add
small amount of lubricating oil after additive.
- Towing
vehicles should be of adequate size to handle loaded trailer.
- Each
towed trailer should have two (2) safety chains attached...adequately
sized and criss-crossed to support the tongue.
- Securely
locked hitch pins designed for service.
- A
5 gallon container of clean and easily accessible water
must be mounted to the nurse tank.
- Have
multiple sources of water nearby.
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
document is NIOSH Publication,
93-132
.
Publication date: April 1993.
This
bulletin was produced at the University of Missouri - Columbia
in coordination with the National Institute for Occupational
Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control, 200 Independence
Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20201. Phone: (800) 356-4674. Developed
by Judy Barnes Oskam, Oklahoma State University and Doug Ross,
University of Missouri - Columbia.
This
is only a synopsis of anhydrous ammonia safety information.
For detailed information, contact your local Cooperative Extension
office or agrichemical dealer
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