Anhydrous Ammonia Release
Fall fertilizer season means increased handling, transportation and application of anhydrous ammonia. A damaged hose, faulty valve, equipment failure or vehicle accident can quickly create a dangerous release.
Employees should know how to recognize a release, move to a safe location and initiate the facility’s emergency procedures. Because wind direction can determine where ammonia vapors travel, employees should also know how to identify the wind direction and move upwind or crosswind when necessary.
Before the season begins, verify that emergency equipment is accessible and in good condition. Review shutdown procedures, evacuation expectations and emergency contacts with employees—including seasonal workers who may be less familiar with the facility.
Structure Fire
Dry vegetation, combustible materials, fuel, electrical equipment, grain dust and hot machinery can create serious fire hazards around an agricultural facility.
During harvest, those risks may increase as trucks and equipment move continuously through the property. Employees need to understand when a small incident can be addressed safely and when the correct response is to evacuate and call the fire department.
Make sure exits, driveways and access points remain clear so emergency responders can reach the facility. Fire extinguishers should be properly located, inspected and accessible, and employees expected to use them should receive appropriate training.
Chemical or Fuel Spill
A leaking pesticide container, ruptured fertilizer tank, damaged tote or diesel spill can create environmental, regulatory and safety concerns.
The first few minutes matter. Employees should know how to protect themselves, keep others away from the area and notify the appropriate personnel. Spill-response supplies should be readily available for the materials handled at the facility, and employees should understand the limits of what they can safely clean up themselves.
The emergency plan should also identify who is responsible for determining whether outside agencies or emergency responders need to be contacted.
Vehicle or Equipment Accident
Fall brings a steady flow of tender trucks, nurse tanks, semis, applicators, forklifts, pickups and customer vehicles. Combine that traffic with longer workdays and changing weather conditions, and the potential for an accident increases.
An incident may involve more than vehicle damage. A collision could result in an injury, fire, chemical release or damaged utility.
Employees should know how to secure the area, contact emergency services and notify facility management without putting themselves in additional danger. Traffic patterns around the facility should also be reviewed before peak season, particularly where pedestrians and large equipment share the same space.
Severe Weather or Power Failure
Fall weather can change quickly. Thunderstorms, high winds, tornadoes, early ice or snow, and extreme temperature swings can affect employees, buildings, equipment and product storage.
Severe weather may also lead to a power outage that disables lighting, pumps, communications or other critical systems.
Employees should know where to shelter and how they will receive emergency weather information. Facilities should also have a plan for safely shutting down operations when conditions deteriorate and for determining when operations can resume.
Preparation Starts Before the Emergency
Emergency preparedness is ultimately about making sure employees know what to do when normal operations suddenly become anything but normal.
Before the fall rush, review your emergency action plan with the entire team. Confirm emergency contact information, inspect response equipment, identify evacuation and shelter locations, and discuss the specific hazards employees may encounter during the season.
Fall is busy enough without trying to develop an emergency response in the middle of one. A little preparation now can help your team respond faster, communicate more clearly and protect employees, customers, responders and the surrounding community when every minute counts.
Contact an Asmark team member if you have any questions about how to prepare your team and stay compliant.