|
|
|
|
Agronomy Safety
May 2009 Update:
Finally. The Inspectors from Colorado State University and the Colorado SHARP (Safety Health Achievement Recognition Program) have arrived back in Walsh and Buckeye to begin the SHARP process again at these locations. Two years ago we had our first visit from these people and abated all the hazards they found. Then due to budget cuts and personnel issues they never came back out to finish what they started.
In April, Rick Cook and Patty Jeffries of CSU conducted inspections of the Grain and Agronomy facilities at Walsh and Buckeye and stated that these were the two nicest facilities of this type that they had ever visited. They said we should be proud of these locations and that it would be an honor to have us in the program.
As part of this inspection, some of our employees were submitted to an interview to test their working knowledge of the company safety policies, Emergency Action Plan, and to get an overall idea of the culture in this company. Our people did great. Good job guys!
 
ANHYDROUS AMMONIA CUSTOMER SAFETY REMINDERS
- Two chains should be crossed under and hooked to the bumper of towing vehicle.
- Tow no faster than 30 mph.
- Stop at all railroad crossings. This is a placard vehicle.
- Wear gloves, goggles, long sleeves, and pants.
- Water is the only first aid for NH3.
|
|
REMEMBER
- Wear Personal Protective Equipment when filling tanks.
- Cross and secure safety chains.
- Drive no more than 30 mph.
- Pay attention to slopes and curves.
- You will not stop or start nearly as fast when towing a full tank.
- Stop at all railroad crossings, It's the law.
|
|
FIRST AID
The first aid for anhydrous burns is water and only water! Make sure that the water tank on the nurse tank is full, and  always carry a small bottle in your shirt pocket to use as eyewash. If burned, rinse the affected area continuously with water for a minimum of 20 minutes. Make sure you tell the doctor that the burn is from NH3. DO NOT put salve on the burn. *Remember, when temperatures drop, your water supply may freeze. We recommend that you use gallon milk jugs for water storage and that you keep several jugs in the tractor cab or pickup.
HOSES & CONNECTIONS
Make sure that the hoses on your equipment are in good shape and that all connections are secure. The failure of these items often results in burns. If a hose is frayed or a connection is loose, replace or repair them.
When making inspections or connecting and un-connecting the tank, make sure that you are wearing your PPE and have a supply of water handy.
|
 EMERGENCY RESPONSE INFORMATION
If you have an accident or a leak from a nurse tank, get a safe distance from the scene in an upwind direction. As soon as you safely can, call 911, then call one of our locations or salespeople. If after hours, call our 24-hour emergency line: 800-472-5308. Be ready to give your location and describe what happened. |
Growers Fall Under New DOT Hazmat Regulations:
DOT Hazmat regulations that took effect September 25, 2003, include growers. The ruling applies to the transportation of hazardous materials, and includes anhydrous ammonia farm tanks weighing over 1,000 pounds. The ruling requires growers transporting these tanks from retail outlets to the field to have a security plan.
Growers have generally been exempt from regulations that retailers were subject to, and they may not be aware of these new requirements. According to an Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) member alert, it does not appear that retailers are legally required to verify that purchasers of regulated product have complied with this new regulation.
If you haul anhydrous ammonia or any type of hazardous chemicals, click on our Cat Challenger or go to http://hazmat.dot.gov/pubtrain/AgSecPlan.pdf for a Farm Security Plan. Please print, read, and complete the forms. These must be kept in the transporting vehicle. The form will ask you for the phone number of the nearest FBI office. It is 612-376-3200. We also recommend that you keep a copy at home as well. If you have any questions, feel free to call Dennis Knight at 800-362-2233.
|
|
|
