NEWS for North Dakotans
Agriculture Communication, North Dakota State University
7 Morrill Hall, Fargo, ND 58105-5665

September 17, 1998

Note to editors: This is the second in a series of six stories dealing with anhydrous ammonia safety issues. We did not indicate that the inital story, released last week, would be the start of a series. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. If you would like to receive a copy of last week's story, "Inspect Anhydrous Ammonia Equipment Now," please contact either Dean Hulse (701) 231-6136 or Tom Jirik (701) 231-9629, or retrieve it from the following Web address: http://www.ext.nodak.edu/extnews/newsrelease/back-issues/

Follow Regulations for Nurse Tanks to Minimize Public's Risk

Anhydrous ammonia nurse tanks that are in transit on highways this time of year pose a considerable risk to the public. The ammonia is stored at a high pressure, so a collision or rollover may cause an uncontrolled release of this hazardous substance.

There are several regulations in effect to reduce this risk, and it literally can be of life-saving importance that those involved with transporting anhydrous ammonia nurse tanks know what the rules are, says an agricultural engineer at North Dakota State University.

"Producers and their employees cannot tow more than two anhydrous ammonia nurse tank wagons at any time with a pickup, farm tractor or truck," says George Maher, extension ag safety specialist at NDSU. "The nurse tank is limited to a speed not faster than 25 miles per hour, for several reasons."

First, the rear of each nurse tank must display the triangular orange "slow moving vehicle" (SMV) sign, which signals motorists that the vehicle is traveling no faster than 25 miles per hour. In addition, Maher says the construction of most implement tires used on nurse tanks limits its speed to less than 25 miles per hour.

"So, 25 miles per hour is as fast as an anhydrous ammonia nurse tank should travel—empty or full—period," says Maher.

Because nurse tanks lack the reflectors needed to detail wagon width after dark, they can move on public roads only between sunrise and sunset. Maher says producers need to keep this daylight provision in mind when planning equipment moves so they can get the nurse tanks to their fields on time.

"The safety chain must be used whenever nurse tanks, empty or full, are on the road. That's according to the law," Maher continues.

The safety chain must be securely attached at both ends so it doesn't break free if the hitch pin should fail or come out. If this should happen, there will be a sudden load on the chain and its points of attachment, Maher explains. The safety chain needs to be short in order to control the nurse tank if the hitch pin should fail—but not too short because it also must allow turning without binding.

When moving from field to field, producers frequently pull a string of implements and trailers on public roads. But if anhydrous ammonia nurse tanks are involved, the complete assembly cannot be longer than 75 feet. Maher says, "Long assemblies of implements will usually swerve from side to side. This is very dangerous on any road, especially when anhydrous ammonia is involved."

Moving anhydrous ammonia nurse tanks is also an age-appropriate task, as mandated by law. Youth must be at least 14 years of age, have a valid driver's license and be working only for their parents. If working for an employer, youth with a valid driver's license must be at least 16 years old to move nurse tanks.

There are labeling requirements for nurse tanks too. The words "ANHYDROUS AMMONIA" must appear on both sides and the front and rear of the tank. The lettering must be in green letters that are 2 inches or taller. The tank must also display "NON-FLAMMABLE GAS" or "1,500 DOT" placards on both sides and the front and rear. No more than 10 percent of a nurse tank's surface can be corroded or have missing paint. The data plate for the tank cannot be painted over—it must be readable.

"A nurse tank should never leave the bulk filling facility without a safety inspection being done," Maher says. "In addition to the appropriate safety decals, goggles, and gloves, five gallons of clean water must be on each tank. Check to make sure all the items are there. You might need them."

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Source: George Maher (701) 231-8288

Editor: Tom Jirik (701) 231-9629