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Anhydrous Ammonia Inspection

Anhydrous Ammonia (NH3) is a pressurized gas, used as an agricultural fertilizer. NH3 tanks are inspected for compliance with safety requirements. If improperly handled or stored, NH3 can be dangerous.

Necessary documentation for the inspection:

  • Equipment list, tank identity
  • Storage facility registration
  • Any other supporting information, repairs problems, etc.

What to expect during an inspection:

Anhydrous Ammonia Site should be registered for the current year. Tanks should be inspected annually and written documentation of the inspection should be given to the site owner. An inspection sheet can be downloaded at the link below. Inspectors will be looking for the following.

Anhydrous Ammonia Operator's Self Audit

Bulk Tanks

  • Anhydrous Ammonia

    • Decals
      • Each container or group of containers shall be marked on at least two sides with the words "Anhydrous Ammonia" in sharply contrasting colors with letters not less than four (4) inches high.

  • Inhalation Hazard Ammonia

    • Decals
      • Markings must appear on the right and left sides at least 4 inches in height.
      • Reflective Paint Coat (light, reflective color); no bare or rusty spots
    • Valves
      • Operational Safety Pressure Release Valves (dated within the manufacturer's 5-year expiration date); rain cap in place
      • Valves Labeled and/or Painted properly (red=liquid, yellow=vapor)
    • Equipment
      • The firm will ensure that all bulk tank locations have the following equipment on hand.  It is suggested that this equipment is stored separately, away from the tank fill area.  In addition, all employees should know where the following items are located.
  1. Face Mask with two unused filter canisters (within expiration date and the manufacturer's protective tape in place.  Tape is to be removed only upon use.)
  2. One full face shield (if not incorporated along with the face mask above)
  3. One pair of protective rubber gloves
  4. One pair of protective rubber boots
  5. One full protective slicker and/or protective pants and jacket
  6. Goggles
  7. At least 50 gallons of water in an open-top container (safety shower permitted)

Nurse Tanks

  • Decals

    • ANHYDROUS AMMONIA ... The lettering must appear on all 4 sides in 4" letters.
    • INHALATION HAZARD .... Markings must appear on the right and left sides - at least 2.0 inches in height and 0.24 inches in width.
    • 1005 Placard ........... Markings must appear on all 4 sides (back, right, and left on front-fill tanks.)
    • First Aid Stickers
    • ANSI ... 11.6.2 - each nurse tank shall be equipped with a legible decal listing first aid procedures to follow if injured by ammonia.
    • Caution Stickers
    • Slow-moving vehicle emblem (if the tank will be in transit at 25 mph or less.)
    • Reflective Paint Coat (light, reflective color); no bare or rusty spots

  • Valves

    • Operational Safety Pressure Release Valves (dated within the manufacturer's 5-year expiration date); rain cap in place
    • Valves Labeled and/or Painted properly (red=liquid, yellow=vapor)
    • Operational PSI Gauge with Cover

  • Equipment

    • Nurse tanks must have safety chains properly attached to the vehicle anytime it is being towed
    • Tires (no excessive damage, no cords showing through)
    • Tank Structure must be sound

All nurse tanks must be accompanied by five gallons of readily available clean water, one pair of goggles, and one pair of rubber gloves.