Great Plains NH3 Safety - Manual (Page 30)

26 NH
3
Safety Table of Contents Index Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc.
407-551M Table of Contents Index 2013-07-15
Wash Water
Refer to Figure 23
Empty the 10 gallon implement First Aid Water tank.
Refill it with fresh clean water. If the nurse tank cart is at
hand, refill the nurse tank wash water as well.
The water needs to be changed daily. Water absorbs
ammonia (NH
3
) vapor from the air, and becomes an
ammonium hydroxide (NH
4
OH) solution over time.
When emptying wash tanks, use the time and water to
train operators on tank operations, and first aid rinsing
procedures.
Field Operation Safety
If field requirements permit, you can minimize exposure
to NH
3
vapor with the following recommendations:
Refer to Figure 24
• Check the wind direction.
• Plan passes to be cross-wind and turns up-wind.
• Plan first pass on down-wind side of field.
• Choose your first pass to allow you to be up-wind
while operating valves at the nurse tank and
implement. Opening the emergency shut-off valve
typically requires climbing on the implement from the
right. Starting with the wind from the right is optimal.
Anhydrous Ammonia Exposure Hazard:
If field requirements result in any down-wind operations:
▲ Use a tractor with a fully enclosed cab. A tractor that is not
fully enclosed exposes the operator to substantially more
NH
3
vapor, particularly if field requirements result in
downwind turns or downwind passes.
▲ Have an escape route (up-wind turn) available for all
down-wind operations.
▲ Conduct end-of-pass operations to minimize above-ground
releases.
▲ Be mindful of the risks of olfactory fatigue. You can
“get used to” the odor and fail to notice when
concentrations get dangerously high.
Figure 23
First Aid Water Station
31599
Anhydrous Ammonia Exposure Hazard:
Repeated exposure to NH
3
vapor may exceed PEL
(Permissible Exposure Limits) and also may induce olfactory
fatigue (adaptation). Over time, you become less sensitive to
ammonia odor, and may fail to recognize dangerously high
concentrations.
Figure 24
Ideal Pass Planning
-
WIND