With a later planting season this year, experts are urging farmers to remain aware of anhydrous ammonia safety.
The chemical is a nitrogen source farmers use on corn crops as a nutrient. Ben DeHaven, owner and manager of DeHaven Soil Service in Walton, said his company has been dealing with the fertilizer since it opened, but he always warns his customers of the dangers involved.
“Number one it is pressurized,” DeHaven explained. “It is at extremely low temperatures, but it can cause severe burns.”
According to a news release from Purdue University, farmers are urged to follow simple procedures when dealing with anhydrous ammonia because of the later planting season.
Since anhydrous ammonia is attracted to water, farmers are urged to keep a decent amount of water supply nearby. Anyone who comes into contact with the substance should flush the area with water for 15 minutes before seeking medical treatment.
Other suggestions include, inspecting all equipment before use; wear protective gear to prevent vapors from entering the eyes and proper clothing protects the skin from spills; carry a cell phone in case of an emergency; and motorist should drive around slow moving farm vehicles with care.
Despite the dangers, though, DeHaven said he hadn’t seen a serious problem in 20 years. A few minor splashes might have occurred, he said, but no one has been injured.
Assistant Logansport Fire Chief Kim Costello said that usually when problems do occur, they’re a result of mechanical failure.
“There’s no prediction, it just happens,” he said.
He said the department hadn’t made many calls concerning the fertilizer. This year, the department has responded to a single call.
“Usually it is a farm tanker leak, but we have been called to The Andersons in the past,” Costello said. “Our job is to secure the area.”
When a leak occurs, it becomes a hazardous materials situation and someone in a certain level of haz-mat suit is usually required to turn off the tank.
Costello added that the anhydrous ammonia in large quantities can cause breathing problems, since it is an inhalant.
“It could be a major health factor, depending on the amount,” he added.
If a large amount leaks into the air, Costello said, evacuation would only be necessary based on the wind direction.
Eventually, the anhydrous ammonia will clear out on its own into the air.
DeHaven, who supplies the farmers with the equipment to apply the ammonia to the corn, said his company also furnishes gloves and goggles.
“It’s up to them to use them,” he said.
Each tank also carries five gallons of water, just in case anything happens.
According to DeHaven, there is one main thing that those using anhydrous ammonia should remember.
“The biggest thing I tell my farmers is not to be scared of it, but respect it,” he said. “When you are scared, that is when there are problems.”
• Denise Massie is a staff writer at the Pharos-Tribune. She can be reached at (574) 732-5151 or denise.massie@pharostribune.com
Local News
Related Photos
-
USE CAUTION: The back of an anhydrous ammonia tank is labeled to inform others of the dangerous substance. Farmers are urged to follow safety procedures when using the product.
Discussion
Farm safety
Farmers urged to keep safety in mind when using anhydrous ammonia
- Local News
-
- Daddy/Daughter Valentine Dance
-
Victory worth celebrating: United Way raises more than $600,000 for area organizations
Joe Johnson stood at the front of the room where a “small army” of community leaders had just been recognized for their work in raising more than $600,000 for United Way of Cass County. “Woah,” said the incoming campaign chairman. “This is scary.”
-
Accused rapist charged with felony in Arizona
A Logansport man out on bail on multiple sex-related charges was arrested last week in Arizona after police say he tried to attack his dad with a pair of kitchen knives.
-
Jurors: Galveston man not guilty of molest
A jury took only an hour Wednesday to decide that a Galveston man was not guilty of molesting a 9-year-old girl a decade ago.
-
Sen. Head to run for re-election
State Sen. Randy Head announced Wednesday he will seek re-election.
-
Retired Navy chief, former judge announce bids for local office
A former Cass Superior Court judge and a retired senior chief with the Navy announced their candidacies for local seats Wednesday.
-
Snowless savings: Warm weather lowers expenses
The unseasonably warm temperatures have allowed state and local road crews to perform roadwork usually conducted in the fall, lowered Logansport Municipal Utilities electric usage and saved all departments overtime pay for employees.
-
Logansport sees jump in grad rate
Logansport High School saw its graduation rate jump four percentage points in numbers released this week by the Indiana Department of Education.
-
Officials break ground on $1.1M Eel River Run
Contractors are set to begin work on the mile-long Eel River Run trail in downtown Logansport — the result of more than eight years of planning.
-
Fifth candidate files for county council
A longtime Logansport Municipal Utilities worker and former business owner is the first Democrat to file for county office in the coming primary election.
- More Local News Headlines
Obama Gives Education Waivers to 10 States
Giffords Aide to Run for Her Seat
LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens
Winter Slamming North Asia, Parts of Europe
Syrian Forces Renew Bombardment of Homs
States, Banks Reach Foreclosure-abuse Settlement
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal
Raw Video: U.S. Pullout Celebration
Raw Video: Annual Empire State Building Run-Up
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
Nevada Highway Patrol, City Settle Beating Case
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
