Move Anhydrous Ammonia Nurse Tanks Safely on the Road

With the start of spring planting, anhydrous ammonia nurse tanks will again become a familiar sight. Because of the risks that can occur if a tank is involved in an accident, caution should be used when handling these tanks. Fortunately, there are regulations in effect to reduce these risks whether the tank is on or off the road.

Safety chains are required to be attached when tanks, empty or full, are moved on the road at a speed faster than 15 miles per hour. "If the hitch pin should work out of the drawbar, the chains help to control the nurse tank," says George Maher, Ag Safety Specialist. The safety chains should allow turning without binding to reduce the chance they will break.

"Because of the weight, only two tank wagons can be pulled at one time with either a pickup, tractor or truck," Maher says. "The highest speed at which a nurse tank can be moved on any public road is 25 miles per hour, and only between sunrise and sunset."

When several implements and tanks are pulled together, the whole assembly cannot be longer than 75 feet. "It is not uncommon for long strings of implements to swerve from side to side while moving down the road." Maher says. "This is extremely dangerous. When pulling more than one implement or tank, travel at a slower speed and exercise greater caution."

"Transporting tanks is an age-appropriate task," Maher says. Youngsters must be at least 14 years of age and have a valid drivers license to pull tanks, and even then, they can only do it for their parents. To pull tanks for an employer, a youngster must be at least 16 years of age with a valid drivers license.

Slow moving vehicle signs are also required to be displayed on tanks and must always be visible. Most often, they are painted on the rear of the tank, in high visibility of other drivers.

All paint and labels on tanks must be maintained." "Anhydrous ammonia" must be displayed on all four sides of the tank in green letters 2 or more inches high," Maher says. Regulations also call for "non-flammable gas" or "1500 DOT" placards and "inhalation hazard" to be painted on all sides. All tank valves should be labeled to indicate whether the opening is for liquid or vapor service. Other labels must also be maintained that explain first aid procedures and safety instructions.

"Give every nurse tank a safety inspection before you take it from the bulk filling facility." said Maher. "Be certain it has all the safety equipment, including; goggles, gloves, and 5 gallons of clean water."

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Source: George Maher, (701) 231-8288, gmaher@ndsuext.nodak.edu
Editor: Tom Jirik, (701) 231-9629, tjirik@ndsuext.nodak.edu

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