Resources
Access the tools, guides, and training materials you need to stay compliant and informed.
Asmark Compliance Library
A comprehensive library of resources covering OSHA, EPA, and DOT regulatory topics that impact agricultural retailers.
Asmark News Center
FMCSA Still Allows Paper MECs for 60 Days
The re-issued waiver is in effect October 13, 2025 through January 10, 2026.
DOT Proposes Adding Fentanyl to Drug Testing Panel
DOT intends for this proposal to raise the level of safety for the transportation industry.
Safety First: Why Prevention Matters More Than Penalties
While fines can encourage compliance, true safety leadership goes beyond avoiding citations.
Interpretations Critical to Agriculture
Q:
Since it is not possible to have a MSDS for each potential blend of fertilizer containing a common mixture of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) products, what alternative can be used to satisfy OSHA when fulfilling a request by a customer for a MSDS?
A:
For blends that are comprised of a mixture of non-interacting chemicals, OSHA allows the MSDS for each product to be attached to a cover sheet (such as a scale or blend ticket) that identifies the mixture product and lists the constituents. OSHA deems this approach acceptable provided the hazards associated with the mixture are not different from that of its components.
Source: USS Agri-Chemical Letters of Interpretation by Robert Wiesboeck dated June 22, 1984 and August 1, 1984. (10-15-2005)
Q:
Can a person that holds an ‘ag-restricted’ commercial drivers license transport anhydrous ammonia in nurse wagons?
A:
Yes. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) included specific wording in the Federal Register for persons utilizing the “Waiver for Farm-Related Service Industries” commonly referred to as a “temporary” or “ag-restricted” CDL. FHWA permits restricted CDL holders to “transport anhydrous ammonia and other types of liquid fertilizers in vehicles or implements of husbandry with total capacities of 3,000 gallons or less.”
Source: Federal Register Volume 57, Number 75, Page 13653, Dated April 17, 1992, published on behalf of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). (11-01-2005)
Q:
Is fall protection required for employees working on vehicles or trailers?
A:
No. OSHA does require fall protection for each employee on a walking/working surface with an unprotected side or edge which is 6 feet or more above a lower level; however, the rule defines “walking/working surface” as any surface on which an employee walks or works, including, but not limited to, floors, roofs, ramps, bridges, runways, formwork and concrete reinforcing steel but not including ladders, vehicles, or trailers, on which employees must be located in order to perform their job duties.
Source: Batz Letter of Interpretation dated March 10, 2004, National Tank Truck Carrier’s Association and 29 CFR 1926.500. (12-01-2005)
Q:
What are my options for providing Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for use by my employees?
A:
OSHA requires that employers maintain in the workplace copies of the required MSDS and ensure they are readily accessible to employees. OSHA allows for paper copies, electronic (computer) access, microfiche and other alternatives as long as no barriers to immediate employee access are created. For instance, if a computer or Fax system is used, all employees must know how to operate and obtain MSDS from the system.
Source: Bursiek and Schuchman Letters of Interpretation dated October 28, 1996 and March 24, 1995 respectively, and 29 CFR 1910.1200(g)(8). (01-01-2006)
Q:
Are Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for fertilizer materials required to be prepared and maintained for each different mixture of Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K)?
A:
OSHA allows in 29 CFR 1910.1200 (g) for a MSDS to be developed for various combinations of N-P-K as long as the hazards of the various mixtures are the same. The MSDS does not have to list the amount by percentage of the ingredients of the mixture.
Source: Kimmel Letter of Interpretation dated May 7, 1993 and 29 CFR 1910.1200 (g). (03-01-2006)
Q:
Is a retail farm center that routinely blends fertilizer nutrients subject to the stormwater permitting requirements of the Clean Water Act?
A:
Facilities that are primarily engaged in the wholesale or retail distribution of fertilizer to end users, and are properly classified in SIC Code 5191 Farm Supplies (now NAICS 42491) are not subject to the Federal stormwater permitting requirements established in Section 402 of the Clean Water Act.
Source: Series of correspondence between EPA, The Fertilizer Institute and the National AgriChemical Retailers Association dated March 6, 1991 through October 3, 1991. (04-01-2006)