As a farmer, firefighter, advanced emergency medical technician, Hazardous materials (Haz-Mat) technician and the emergency management director for Ellsworth and Russell Counties, I have dealt with anhydrous ammonia on many different levels.

In this area, anhydrous ammonia or NH3, is one of the most efficient and widely used sources of nitrogen for an effective and efficient farm operation. The advantages of ammonia’s relatively easy application and ready availability have led to its wide use as a fertilizer on farms. While most farmers who use NH3 have already applied the desired amount for wheat drilling this fall, anytime is a good time to review some safety tips.

First let’s look at why we need to make safety a top priority when dealing with NH3.

There are several reasons why anhydrous ammonia is so dangerous. Anhydrous ammonia is a very hazardous chemical. It’s a liquid when stored under pressure, but it becomes a vapor when it’s released into the soil or air. Anhydrous ammonia contains no water, which is what anhydrous means. Consequently, when NH3 contacts water, it rapidly combines with the moisture and forms ammonium hydroxide. It seeks out moisture from the nearest source it can find if there is a release. Unfortunately, that source is often a nearby person.

Anhydrous ammonia can quickly make its way into your body tissue, especially the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. NH3 will remove the water and cause dehydration, cell destruction and severe chemical burns.

Victims exposed to even small amounts of ammonia require immediate treatment to avoid permanent injury.

At atmospheric temperature and pressure, ammonia is a colorless gas with a sharp, characteristic odor that can be detected at a low concentration of 5 parts per million (ppm). The concentration in fertilizer is approximately 1,000,000 ppm, but even brief exposure to a concentration of 2,500 to 6,500 ppm can result in death. In appearance, liquid anhydrous ammonia resembles water.

Anhydrous ammonia also has disadvantages, especially in its handling. It must be stored and handled under high pressure, which requires specially designed and well-maintained equipment. Workers also must be trained to handle this product and to follow strict work procedures to ensure operator safety.

It is essential that all workers who use anhydrous ammonia wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), be equipped with necessary response supplies, and know how to respond in an emergency. PPE should include ventless goggles and a full-face shield, rubber gloves with thermal lining and long cuffs that can be rolled to catch drips, and a long-sleeved shirt. Non-rubber gloves made of ammonia-proof material are acceptable. Because contact lenses can trap the gas and become fused to the eye, it is recommended that individuals not wear contact lenses while working with anhydrous ammonia.

In the event of an exposure emergency, the most important resource is an ample supply of clean water to begin flushing the eyes and skin. If you use a vehicle to transport anhydrous ammonia, you must carry a five gallon container of clean water. Each person working with anhydrous ammonia should carry a 6 to 8 fluid ounce squeeze bottle of water at all times for rapid response to an emergency.

The first-response treatment for anhydrous ammonia exposure is to flush the exposed area (skin, nose, throat, eyes, and so on) with clean water for a minimum of 15 minutes. Flush the exposed area immediately to decrease injury caused by the anhydrous ammonia coming in contact with skin or clothes.

Although clean water is the ideal resource for flushing exposed areas of the body, if you do not have water available, other nontoxic liquids, such as cold coffee or orange juice, can be used.

Remove contaminated clothing unless the clothing is frozen to the victim’s skin. Seek medical attention immediately and inform medical staff of the exposure to anhydrous ammonia so that they will not treat the wounds with oils or ointments that can intensify the damage.

If you find a person who is in a continuous stream of anhydrous ammonia, contact your local emergency service responders or 911. Inform the emergency medical responders and firefighters about the type of incident so they can bring the proper equipment to the scene. A self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and protective clothing are necessary to remove a person from a continuous stream. Rescue workers might contact a hazardous materials (HAZMAT) disposal team if HAZMAT services are needed at the scene.

Always inspect your equipment before handling NH3. Are hoses in good condition? Are fittings clean and free from rust? Do low-pressure tubes have any leaks? Are knives or tubes on the blades plugged? Look over the hitch to make sure there are no cracks, breaks or loose hardware. Is the tank secure with a locking hitch pin and safety chains? Make sure the pressure relief valve is operating correctly. And lastly does the nurse tank have five gallons of fresh water on board?

It is also a good idea for the motoring public to recognize the NH3 Nurse tank being towed from the fertilizer plant to the farmer’s field and use extra care and caution when meeting or passing those nurse tanks.

I hope we never have to meet at the scene of an anhydrous ammonia incident and if you follow these safety tips we can greatly decrease the chance of an accidental release.

Keith Haberer is the director of Emergency Management for Ellsworth and Russell Counties.