Storage and handling of fertiliser
The safe and secure storage and handling of GrowHow fertilisers
Most fertilisers used on UK farms (straight ammonium nitrate, compounds containing ammonium nitrate and urea) if heated sufficiently, can decompose releasing toxic fumes.
In addition, those fertilisers containing a high proportion of ammonium nitrate will assist other materials to burn, even when air is excluded from them. If they are heated while confined or contaminated (for example if molten ammonium nitrate were to run into a drain)there could be a violent reaction or explosion.
Emergency Advice
If fertiliser is involved in a fire:
. Call the Fire Brigade
. Do not inhale fumes
. Use plenty of water
. Keep the building well ventilated
These fertilisers can be recognised by the 'oxidising agent' symbol, which is printed on the bag.
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For emergency advice - 24 hour hotline: 0151 357 4029 |
For Safe Outdoor Storage
. Use a level site
. Use a fenced and secure area to prevent unauthorised access
. Inspect regularly
. Protect from the prevailing wind
. Use a base of pallets to keep the bottom bags clear of the ground
. Bags must be covered securely with plastic sheeting
. Light coloured sheeting should be used in the summer months to reflect heat from the sun
For Safe Indoor Storage
. Store fertilisers well away from combustible materials and any source of heat e.g. hay, straw, fuel, oil
. Keep ammonium nitrate well separated from other chemical substances e.g. urea, pesticides, corrosive liquids, cement, lime, alkalis etc
. Keep the store clean, tidy and secure
. Do not allow smoking or the use of naked lights in storage areas
. Buildings used for storage should be made from non combustible materials. They should
be dry and well ventilated with a level floor
. There should not be any open drains, channels or pits in the storage building
Safe Repair and Maintenance of Equipment
. Remove all traces of fertiliser by thorough washing before welding
. Fertiliser storage buildings should not be used for servicing machinery
Ten Point Security Plan
- Do not store fertiliser where there is public access.
- Do not leave fertiliser in the field overnight.
- Do not store fertiliser near to, or visible from, the public highway.
- Do not sell fertiliser unless the purchaser is personally known by you to be a bona-fide farmer and is aware of the need to follow this guidance. Report unusual purchase requests to the police.
- Do record fertiliser deliveries and usage.
- Do wherever possible, store fertiliser inside a locked building or compound.
- Do fully sheet fertiliser when stored outside and regularly check the stack has not been tampered with.
- Do carry out frequent stock checks.
- Do report any unexplained stock discrepancy to loss/theft to the police.
- Do retain and file all fertiliser delivery notes.
NB: This guidance may change. Please refer to:
www.secureyourfertiliser.gov.uk
Safe handling of fertiliser bags
Lifting and Transport
. Follow the equipment manufacturers guidelines to ensure the safe working load is not exceeded
. Ensure that the fork lift tines have rounded edges or cover with a secured metal sleeve
when lifting bulk bags
. Make sure the protective sleeve on the lifting loop on bulk bags is correctly placed
. Do not lift damaged bags or pallets - empty manually
. Lift and transport bags smoothly
. Travel with bag or pallet close to ground
Stacking
. Stack a maximum of threehigh. Interlock bags for stability
. Carefully dismantle stack if any stacked bag(s) become damaged or pierced
. Maximum of 300 tonnes in each stack
. Minimum of 1 metre gap between stacks
Emptying Bulk Bags
. Stand to one side and use a long handled knife
. Do not attempt to empty any bag whilst it is stacked
Partial Emptying
. Do not attempt to partially empty any bag when it is stacked
. Use a shaped cut in the side of the bag and control flow with a sliding plate
Notification Requirements
A combined total of 25 tonnes or more of 'dangerous substances' stored or likely to be stored (includes pesticides and ammonium nitrate-based fertilisers).
*Applies to fertiliser products classified as oxidising agents (class 5.1) containing AN above certain thresholds
Dangerous Substances (Notification and Marking of Sites) Regulations, 1990
1) Notify HSE
2) Notify Fire Authority
3) Put up general Danger (exclamation mark) Sign at site entrance and Oxidising substance sign on store
More than 150 tonnes (and up to 999 tonnes) of ammonium nitrate-based fertiliser stored or likely to be stored.
*Applies to products containing in excess of 15.75% nitrogen and containing AN
Notification of Installations Handling Hazardous Substances Regulations, as amended, 2002
1) Notify HSE (separate notification to above)
Click here to download this information
Safety Data Sheets are available on request from GrowHow or downloadable here
For all your fertiliser advice call: 0151 357 5758 or email: advice@growhow.co.uk
