British stone. Paul-Many farmers and applicators will soon use anhydrous ammonia (NH3) after harvest. Even in the event of a hurry and weather, safety should not be compromised. Recent accidents involving anhydrous ammonia have proven how dangerous and deadly this chemical can be if it is not handled properly.

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) provides the following tips to farmers and applicators to safely use anhydrous ammonia:

Always wear suitable goggles and gloves. Never wear contact lenses.

Ensure that there is at least 5 gallons of clean and adequate emergency water supply.

Be careful when connecting and disconnecting, as if the pipeline contains anhydrous ammonia.

Always stand upwind when connecting, disconnecting, venting or transferring NH3. In addition, when interrupting or disconnecting the pipeline, close, bleed, disconnect and fix the valve and transfer pipeline, and ensure that the hose end valve is handled through the valve body.

Place the equipment away from homes, people, and livestock in a downwind location.

Safety is also the key to maintaining anhydrous ammonia equipment. Never assume that the NH3 pipe is empty, always wear appropriate protective equipment and use safe water.

When dragging the nurse tank on the road, drive wisely. Do not drive more than 30 miles per hour, show signs of slow-moving vehicles visible from the rear, and ensure that the fuel tank is secured to the tractor or truck with two independent chains as a supplement to tow pins/clamps.

In the event of an accident or leak, please call 911 immediately, then call 1-800-422-0798 to contact the Minnesota duty officer. For more safety, storage and transportation information, please visit mda.state.mn.us/nh3.

As a reminder, after the average soil temperature reaches 50 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, anhydrous ammonia should be applied in the fall to help prevent nitrogen loss, protect water quality, and ensure that the crops in the next season can get more nitrogen.