Code of Colorado Regulations
1200 - Department of Agriculture
1202 - Inspection and Consumer Services Division
8 CCR 1202-5 - STORAGE AND HANDLING OF ANHYDROUS AMMONIA
Section 6 - OPERATION OF ANHYDROUS AMMONIA SYSTEMS

6.1.1. The concentration of ammonia vapor in air can effectively be reduced by the use of adequate volumes of water applied through spray or fog nozzles.

6.1.2. Water should be used on liquid ammonia spills only if sufficient water is available. For the purpose of this section, sufficient water may be taken to be 100 parts of water to one part of ammonia.

6.1.3. If an ammonia container is exposed to fire and cannot be removed, water should be used to cool it.

6.1.4. Under some circumstances ammonia in a container is colder than the available water supply. Under these circumstances water should not be sprayed on the container walls since it would heat the ammonia and aggravate any gas leak.

6.1.5. If it is found necessary to dispose of ammonia, as from a leaking container, liquid ammonia should be discharged into a vessel containing water sufficient to absorb it. Sufficient water may be taken to be ten parts of water per part ammonia. The ammonia should be injected into the water as near the bottom of the vessel as practical.

6.2.1. Personnel required to handle ammonia shall be trained in safe operating practices and the proper action to take in the event of emergencies. Personnel shall be instructed to use the equipment listed in 6.2.3 in the event of an emergency.

6.2.2. If a leak occurs in an ammonia system, the personnel trained for and designated to act in such emergencies shall:

6.2.3. All permanent storage facilities shall have on hand, as a minimum, the following equipment:

6.2.4. Where several persons are usually present, additional safety equipment may be desirable.

6.2.5. Each tank motor vehicle transporting anhydrous ammonia, except farm applicator vehicles, shall carry a container of at least five gallons of water and shall be equipped with at least one pair of protective gloves and a full face gas mask, a pair of tight-fitting goggles or one full face shield. The driver shall be instructed in their use and the proper action to take to provide for his safety.

6.2.6. If a leak occurs in transportation equipment and it is not practical to stop the leak, the driver should move the vehicle to an isolated location away from populated communities or heavily traveled highways.

6.2.7. If liquid ammonia contacts the skin or eyes, the affected area should be promptly and thoroughly flushed with water. Do not use neutralizing solutions or ointments on affected areas. A physician shall treat all cases of eye exposure to liquid ammonia.

6.2.7. Gloves, boots, slickers, jackets and pants shall be made of rubber or other material impervious to ammonia.

6.3.1. The filling densities for containers shall not exceed the following:

*This corresponds to 82% by volume at-28ºF, 85% by volume at 5ºF, 87.5% by volume at 30ºF, and 90.6% by volume at 60ºF.

6.3.2. If containers are to be filled according to liquid level by any gauging method other than a fixed length dip tube gauge, each container should have a thermometer well so that the internal liquid temperature can be easily determined and the amount of liquid and vapor in the container corrected to a 60ºF basis.

6.4.1. Anhydrous ammonia shall always be at a temperature suitable for the material of construction and design of the receiving containers and shall comply with Appendix R of API Standard 620 "Recommended Rules for Design and Construction of Large Welded Low-Pressure Storage Tanks" for materials for low temperature service.

6.4.2. At least one attendant shall supervise the transfer of liquids from the time the connections are first made until they are finally disconnected.

6.4.3. Flammable gases or gases which will react with ammonia (such as air) shall not be used to unload tank cars or transport trucks.

6.4.4. Containers shall be charged or used only upon authorization of the owner.

6.4.5. Containers shall be gauged and charged only in the open atmosphere or in buildings approved for that purpose.

6.4.6. Pumps used for transferring ammonia shall be recommended and labeled for ammonia service by the manufacturer.

6.4.7. Compressors used for transferring or refrigerating ammonia shall be recommended and labeled for ammonia service by the manufacturer.

6.4.8. Loading and unloading systems shall be protected by suitable devices to prevent emptying of the storage container or the container being loaded or unloaded in the event of severance of the hose. Backflow check valves or properly sized excess flow valves shall be installed where necessary to provide such protection. In the event that such valves are not practical, remotely operated shut-off valves may be installed.

6.4.9. Meters used for the measurement of liquid anhydrous ammonia shall be recommended and labeled for ammonia service by the manufacturer and meet the requirements of The Measurement Standards Act, §§ 35-14-101 through 134, C.R.S.

6.5.1. Unloading operations shall be performed by reliable persons properly instructed and made responsible for careful compliance with all applicable procedures.

6.5.2. Caution signs shall be so placed on the track or car as to give necessary warning to persons approaching car from open end or ends of siding and shall be left up until after car is unloaded and disconnected from discharge connections. Signs shall be of metal or other suitable material, at least 12 by 15 inches in size and bear the words "STOP-Tank Car Connected" or "STOP-Men At Work" the word "STOP", being in letters at least 4 inches high and the other words in letters at least 2 inches high. The letters shall be white on a blue background.

6.5.3. The track of a tank car siding shall be substantially level.

6.5.4. Brakes shall be set and wheels blocked on all cars being unloaded.

6.5.5. Tank cars of anhydrous ammonia shall be unloaded only at approved locations meeting the requirements of Rules 6.2.3 and 6.4.8.