Published: July 07, 2009 10:45 pm      

Farm safety

Farmers urged to keep safety in mind when using anhydrous ammonia

With a later planting season this year, experts are urging farmers to remain aware of anhydrous ammonia safety.

The chemical is a nitrogen source farmers use on corn crops as a nutrient. Ben DeHaven, owner and manager of DeHaven Soil Service in Walton, said his company has been dealing with the fertilizer since it opened, but he always warns his customers of the dangers involved.

“Number one it is pressurized,” DeHaven explained. “It is at extremely low temperatures, but it can cause severe burns.”

According to a news release from Purdue University, farmers are urged to follow simple procedures when dealing with anhydrous ammonia because of the later planting season.

Since anhydrous ammonia is attracted to water, farmers are urged to keep a decent amount of water supply nearby. Anyone who comes into contact with the substance should flush the area with water for 15 minutes before seeking medical treatment.

Other suggestions include, inspecting all equipment before use; wear protective gear to prevent vapors from entering the eyes and proper clothing protects the skin from spills; carry a cell phone in case of an emergency; and motorist should drive around slow moving farm vehicles with care.

Despite the dangers, though, DeHaven said he hadn’t seen a serious problem in 20 years. A few minor splashes might have occurred, he said, but no one has been injured.

Assistant Logansport Fire Chief Kim Costello said that usually when problems do occur, they’re a result of mechanical failure.

“There’s no prediction, it just happens,” he said.

He said the department hadn’t made many calls concerning the fertilizer. This year, the department has responded to a single call.

“Usually it is a farm tanker leak, but we have been called to The Andersons in the past,” Costello said. “Our job is to secure the area.”

When a leak occurs, it becomes a hazardous materials situation and someone in a certain level of haz-mat suit is usually required to turn off the tank.

Costello added that the anhydrous ammonia in large quantities can cause breathing problems, since it is an inhalant.

“It could be a major health factor, depending on the amount,” he added.

If a large amount leaks into the air, Costello said, evacuation would only be necessary based on the wind direction.

Eventually, the anhydrous ammonia will clear out on its own into the air.

DeHaven, who supplies the farmers with the equipment to apply the ammonia to the corn, said his company also furnishes gloves and goggles.

“It’s up to them to use them,” he said.

Each tank also carries five gallons of water, just in case anything happens.

According to DeHaven, there is one main thing that those using anhydrous ammonia should remember.

“The biggest thing I tell my farmers is not to be scared of it, but respect it,” he said. “When you are scared, that is when there are problems.”

• Denise Massie is a staff writer at the Pharos-Tribune. She can be reached at (574) 732-5151 or denise.massie@pharostribune.com