Move Nurse Tanks Safely Over the Road

It is always risky to move anhydrous ammonia nurse tanks on public roads according to George Maher, North Dakota State University Extension Service agriculture safety specialist. "Complete responsibility rests on the shoulders of the person doing the driving. Because the ammonia in the tank is highly pressurized, an uncontrolled release may result during an accident. As soon as the nurse tank is in the field, the only people at risk are those downwind and those working with it. There are regulations and safety practices to reduce the risk when it is on the road."

Never pull more than two anhydrous ammonia nurse tank wagons at a time with either a pickup, farm tractor or truck. 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. After dark, it is illegal to move anhydrous ammonia nurse tanks on any public road. A slow moving vehicle (SMV) sign must always be on display, often it is painted on the rear of the tank.

Safety chains are required and must be attached when nurse tanks, empty or full, are moved on the road at speeds faster than 15 miles per hour. If the hitch pin should work out of the drawbar the chains help you control the nurse tank. The chains should be strong enough so they don't break if the hitch pin comes out. Safety chains should always allow turning without binding. Always use a safety clip on the hitch pin.

When several implements and nurse tanks are pulled together, while moving from field to field, the whole assembly cannot be longer than 75 feet if nurse tanks are included, Maher says. "It is not uncommon for long strings of implements to swerve from side to side while moving down the road. When a nurse tank is bringing up the rear, it will swerve the most. A nurse tank that is weaving from side to side on any road is extremely dangerous".

Youngsters driving a tractor or motor vehicle and pulling one or two anhydrous ammonia nurse tanks must be at least 14 years of age and have a valid driver's license. They are restricted to pulling tanks only for their parents. To pull a tank for an employer, the youngster must have a valid drivers license and be 16 years old. Transporting nurse tanks is an age-appropriate task.

The paint and labels on a nurse tank must be maintained, Maher notes. "A sign reading ‘Anhydrous Ammonia’ must be displayed on all sides in green letters that are two inches or more in height. Also on all four sides must be a sign reading ‘Non-Flammable Gas’ or ‘1500' DOT placards. ‘Inhalation hazard’ signs must be displayed on both sides of the nursing tank with green letters at least two inches high. All tank valves should be labeled to indicate whether the opening is for liquid or vapor service. Other labels must 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. Be certain it has all the safety equipment, including; goggles, gloves, and five gallons of clean water. "They must be there for your safety," Maher says.

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Source: George Maher, (701) 231-8288, george.maher@ndsu.nodak.edu
Editor: Rich Mattern, (701) 231-6136, richard.mattern@ndsu.nodak.edu