Great Plains NH3 Safety - Manual (Page 32)

28 NH
3
Safety Table of Contents Index Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc.
407-551M Table of Contents Index 2013-07-15
Starting Application
NH
3
: Possible Chemical Hazard:
Anhydrous ammonia is now flowing into the ground. Some
routinely escapes to the atmosphere. Check for leaks. Take
action if strong odor is detected or a leak seen. Turn up wind.
Turn off flow. Check gauges from tractor cab. Engage
emergency shut-off valve if a leak is detected.
Minor odor during application is normal, particularly if the
tractor cab is ever down wind of recent passes.
Strong or irritating odor indicates a problem. Conditions
may not be suitable for application (soil too dry, cloddy
and deeply cracked, for example), or there may be a
system problem.
Field Turns
a. Before the turn,
set the MASTER switch OFF.
Leave the implement in the ground, and
continue forward movement.
b. Lift the implement at the turn point.
Major Spill / Equipment Damage Hazards:
Do not turn too tightly. The nurse tank could strike the
implement, be upset, and leak. On 2-Point and Pull-Type
applicators, the nurse tank tongue could strike the caster tires.
On 3-Point applicators, the nurse tank tires could strike
sealers, tine or knife shanks.
c. Turn up-wind for the next pass.
d. Line up per your start of pass plan.
e. Lower the implement into the ground.
f. Set the BOOMS 1 switch ON.
g. Pull forward and complete the pass.
Figure 26
Typical Application Screen
31585
Ammonia Vapor Release Occurs at Turns:
Avoid down-wind turns.
Do not raise for turns if unprotected individuals or sensitive
livestock are immediately down-wind of the turn. Stop instead.
Turning off NH
3
flow prior to raising for turns does deplete
some of the liquid ammonia in the applicator lines, but not all
of it, and considerable vapor remains. At turns, there will be
some release of NH
3
vapor, and possibly some NH
3
liquid.
Be prepared for it. Minimize exposure to yourself and others.
Turn up-wind immediately if a hazardous concentration of
fumes reaches the tractor cab.