Ammonia safety details on the Web

Springfield, Ill. — The Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association (IFCA), the Illinois Corn Growers Association. (ICGA), and the Illinois Farm Bureau (IFB) have joined together to develop a detailed web-based safety training program for farmers using anhydrous ammonia. On funding obtained from the newly-formed Nutrient Research and Education Council (NREC), IFCA and the Illinois Department of Agriculture developed the program content, featuring video and animation of actual ammonia accidents that occurred in Illinois, as well as detailed instructions on how they could have been prevented. The program’s five training modules cover properties of ammonia, personal protective equipment, transportation of ammonia to and from the field, the safe hook-up of ammonia tanks in the field, and emergency response and first aid procedures. Those completing the training will be able to take a knowledge assessment to determine their understanding of the material and print out a certificate of completion for their records. “In the past we have tried various venues to get important information to farmers about ammonia safety, including pamphlets, seminars, an awareness video, and checklists for fertilizer dealers to share with farmers,” explained Kevin Runkle, IFCA manager of regulatory services. “Unfortunately, these efforts have been insufficient to convey the importance of specific preventative measures that must be understood and followed each time a farmer uses anhydrous ammonia. This web-based program is unique in its sophistication and detail. It allows the farmer to log in and then return to the program at any time to pick up where he left off, or to go back and review the safety modules.” Thanks to funding from NREC, the program is free to farmers or anyone who wants to improve their knowledge of ammonia safety. Agriculture Director Bob Flider added, “When not handled properly, anhydrous ammonia can cause serious injury and impact the environment. I encourage farmers who apply their own ammonia to use the program, take the knowledge assessment, and self-certify that they are trained to safely handle this product.” The program can be accessed at www.ifca.com; www.ilcorn.org; www.ilfb.org; or www.agr.state.il.us.