A HAZARD AND OPERABILITY STUDY OF ANHYDROUS AMMONIA APPLICATION IN AGRICULTURE

Researchers from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and He alth (NIOSH) applied Hazard and Operability (HAZOP) analysis to examin e hazards during the use of anhydrous ammonia by farmers. This analysi s evaluated the storage, transfer, and application of anhydrous ammoni a, identifying credible hazard scenarios, practical solutions, and res earch needs. Ninety-five findings were developed that are of use to fa rmers, distributors of ammonia and application equipment, and manufact urers of application equipment. The findings generally involve trainin g, equipment design changes, preventive maintenance, and material comp atibilities. The HAZOP team found that additional safety features need to be developed or implemented. The study also pointed out where corr ect operator procedure and preventive maintenance can prevent inadvert ent releases. Other inadvertent releases are caused by incompatible ma terials, or by using equipment in ways other than intended. Several ex amples of the findings are given to emphasize the HAZOP technique and the high-risk scenarios. Strategies for dissemination to the agricultu ral community are presented.