|
|
|
After the white vapor cloud cleared, the man picked himself off the ground. The blast had knocked him 20 feet back from where he originally stood.
His blue denim shirt had been crystallized on his chest. A pack of Winston cigarettes suffered the same fate. The letters “WINSTON” were burned into his chest.
Fortunately, he was wearing gloves and goggles. His eyes were spared, and the flesh burns were confined to his arms.
Lucky?
Absolutely. This man applying anhydrous escaped with his life and his health. He would have a second chance to handle this fertilizer — this time with care.
While anhydrous ammonia remains one of the most affordable farm fertilizers, the properties of this chemical make it one of the most potentially dangerous plant inputs used in agriculture.
In an attempt to hammer home this message, farm safety pioneer Lynn Buerki demonstrated the proper application of anhydrous ammonia to emergency medical personnel on his Sedgwick County farm earlier this summer.
The overriding message when handling anhydrous ammonia could be condensed into four words — caution: handle with care.
Anhydrous means without water. This means this chemical will seek out moisture, and most of the human body is made up of water.
The liquid or gas that contacts the body tissue — especially the eyes, skin and respiratory tract will cause dehydration, cell destruction and severe chemical burns.
Anyone who handles anhydrous must keep focused on the task at hand, at all times. Never think of other things — it’s too dangerous.
When applying anhydrous in the field, some of the key accident situations include:
• Filling the tank more than 85 percent.
• Leaky valves and deteriorated or out-of-date hoses.
• Handling hoses by valve handles.
• Not using protective equipment — gloves, goggles and long sleeved clothing.
• Not bleeding anhydrous from the hose before connecting or disconnecting.
• Lack of water to flush burns caused in case of an accident.
• Tipping over an applicator tank by pulling at an excessive speed. Never pull a tank more than 25 miles-per-hour. It wasn’t designed for high-speed road travel.
No one should ever handle anhydrous ammonia without proper-fitting goggles and rubber gloves with the cuffs turned back so anhydrous doesn’t run down your sleeve when you raise your arms. Heavy duty, long sleeved shirts are also recommended for anyone handling anhydrous.
Regular glasses do not provide adequate protection. The vapor will simply swirl around the lens and seek out the eye. Never wear contact lenses when working with anhydrous ammonia.
When it comes to first aid for anhydrous ammonia the only suitable recourse is water, water and more water. Water must be available for flushing the eyes and skin in case of exposure.
Should ammonia touch the skin or eyes, tissue damage occurs rapidly. Carry a 5-gallon bucket in every vehicle used for anhydrous ammonia. Anyone handling anhydrous should carry an 8-ounce squeeze bottle of water in his/her shirt pocket for rapid emergency flushing.
Time is everything. Flush water onto the exposed skin areas or eyes immediately. Flush for at least 15 minutes.
After the victim has been flushed thoroughly, remove contaminated clothing carefully. Thaw clothing frozen to the skin by running water over it before removal. Never apply oils, salves or other treatment. Use water only for the first 24 hours and go to a physician immediately.
When handled safely, anhydrous ammonia remains one of the most economical sources of nitrogen available for crops. With low commodity prices, farmers need such a product to keep production inputs in check.
Remember, don’t get in a hurry. Focus on the task at hand. Don’t worry about how much work you have to do. Think. Use common sense and don’t forget the above tips.
John Schlageck is a leading commentator on agriculture and rural Kansas. Born and raised on a diversified farm in northwestern Kansas, his writing reflects a lifetime of experience, knowledge and passion.
After the white vapor cloud cleared, the man picked himself off the ground. The blast had knocked him 20 feet back from where he originally stood.
His blue denim shirt had been crystallized on his chest. A pack of Winston cigarettes suffered the same fate. The letters “WINSTON” were burned into his chest.
Fortunately, he was wearing gloves and goggles. His eyes were spared, and the flesh burns were confined to his arms.
Lucky?
Absolutely. This man applying anhydrous escaped with his life and his health. He would have a second chance to handle this fertilizer — this time with care.
While anhydrous ammonia remains one of the most affordable farm fertilizers, the properties of this chemical make it one of the most potentially dangerous plant inputs used in agriculture.
In an attempt to hammer home this message, farm safety pioneer Lynn Buerki demonstrated the proper application of anhydrous ammonia to emergency medical personnel on his Sedgwick County farm earlier this summer.
The overriding message when handling anhydrous ammonia could be condensed into four words — caution: handle with care.
Anhydrous means without water. This means this chemical will seek out moisture, and most of the human body is made up of water.
The liquid or gas that contacts the body tissue — especially the eyes, skin and respiratory tract will cause dehydration, cell destruction and severe chemical burns.
Anyone who handles anhydrous must keep focused on the task at hand, at all times. Never think of other things — it’s too dangerous.
When applying anhydrous in the field, some of the key accident situations include:
• Filling the tank more than 85 percent.
• Leaky valves and deteriorated or out-of-date hoses.
• Handling hoses by valve handles.
• Not using protective equipment — gloves, goggles and long sleeved clothing.
• Not bleeding anhydrous from the hose before connecting or disconnecting.
• Lack of water to flush burns caused in case of an accident.
• Tipping over an applicator tank by pulling at an excessive speed. Never pull a tank more than 25 miles-per-hour. It wasn’t designed for high-speed road travel.
No one should ever handle anhydrous ammonia without proper-fitting goggles and rubber gloves with the cuffs turned back so anhydrous doesn’t run down your sleeve when you raise your arms. Heavy duty, long sleeved shirts are also recommended for anyone handling anhydrous.
Regular glasses do not provide adequate protection. The vapor will simply swirl around the lens and seek out the eye. Never wear contact lenses when working with anhydrous ammonia.
When it comes to first aid for anhydrous ammonia the only suitable recourse is water, water and more water. Water must be available for flushing the eyes and skin in case of exposure.
Should ammonia touch the skin or eyes, tissue damage occurs rapidly. Carry a 5-gallon bucket in every vehicle used for anhydrous ammonia. Anyone handling anhydrous should carry an 8-ounce squeeze bottle of water in his/her shirt pocket for rapid emergency flushing.
Time is everything. Flush water onto the exposed skin areas or eyes immediately. Flush for at least 15 minutes.
After the victim has been flushed thoroughly, remove contaminated clothing carefully. Thaw clothing frozen to the skin by running water over it before removal. Never apply oils, salves or other treatment. Use water only for the first 24 hours and go to a physician immediately.
When handled safely, anhydrous ammonia remains one of the most economical sources of nitrogen available for crops. With low commodity prices, farmers need such a product to keep production inputs in check.
Remember, don’t get in a hurry. Focus on the task at hand. Don’t worry about how much work you have to do. Think. Use common sense and don’t forget the above tips.
John Schlageck is a leading commentator on agriculture and rural Kansas. Born and raised on a diversified farm in northwestern Kansas, his writing reflects a lifetime of experience, knowledge and passion.
