Fertilizer Chemical Management

Jan 21, 2015

Source: HazCommpliance LLC

Agricultural materials, such as fertilizers (containing anhydrous ammonia, are hazardous chemicals and must be stored and handled in a safe manner to avoid potential catastrophic consequences. Risk management strategies are essential for any facility that stores and handles fertilizers and pesticides.

Yesterday, an explosion occurred in a fertilizer storage facility in Waco, Texas, that killed and severely injured over 100 emergency responders. The initial fire that broke out in the facility created intense heat and pressure that resulted in an explosion of sufficient strength that it measured on the earthquake Richter scale.

Fertilizer ingredients and the process can pose serious hazards not only in storage and in manufacturing. The reaction of nitrogen and hydrogen gas may yield the ammonia that is used in such fertilizers. Employers MUST ASSES the hazards of all chemicals and the safe handling, including emergency response.

Risk Management, meaning, the identification and subsequent control of hazardous associated with these chemicals must be in place where fertilizers and other agricultural chemicals are in place. Facilities must ensure that fertilizer is stored in manner that would not only prevent an initial fire, but also, have systems in place to control any fire or explosion risk. Further to this, training should be provided to ensure all persons exposed to fertilizers, pesticides, or any other hazardous chemicals, are aware of the type of hazards they pose, methods to protect themselves and procedures for emergency response.

For more information on safety training or what trainings HazCommpliance can offer your organization please email us at