Ammonium Nitrate Handling Operations: Guidance for Safe Practice

Keywords: Ammonium nitrate, Safe practice, Fertiliser storage, Fertiliser legislation.

Summary:

Ammonium nitrate (AN) is the nitrogen fertiliser of choice for a great many farmers around the world. The fertiliser, as dense prills or granules with good thermal stability and anti-caking properties, has a good agronomic and safety track record over the last fifty years. As a consequence of the recent increase in terrorist activities such as the World Trade Center attack and the major explosion in Toulouse, France, concerns have been raised about the risk associated with a number of products including AN fertiliser. In this paper five main elements have been identified for safety and reviewed. There is much legislation in place to control operations. The industry has carried out a considerable amount of research to understand the behaviour of AN and has developed useful guidelines to minimise the risk of major hazards. The industry has also taken other initiatives to enhance safety and security. Consequently, the risk of a major accident with the AN fertiliser is considered to be extremely small.

Kish Shah, Shah4SHE, Yarm, Stockton-on-Tees, TS15 9NU, UK. (Consultant to EFMA).

Hans van Balken, European Fertilizer Manufacturers Association, (EFMA), Av. E. Van Nieuwenhuyse 4, B-1660 Brussels.

15 pages, 23 references.