By DOUG GRAVES
Ohio Correspondent

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Farmers in the region will soon begin sidedressing corn fields with anhydrous ammonia. For these growers it’s an economical way to put nitrogen into the ground. But with this application comes the need for special attention to safety.
Added to the hazard of handling the liquid is the increase in illegal methamphetamine manufacturing across the country. Purdue University farm safety specialist Bill Field said the misuse of anhydrous ammonia as a catalyst to make meth poses a big threat to farmers.

“Stealing anhydrous ammonia cannot only cause bodily harm and spills, but it also poses serious risk for farmers who use tanks that have been tampered with,” Field said. “One way farmers can deter thieves is by securing all tanks, whether they’re full or empty.”

Drug users who use anhydrous ammonia for their manufacture of methamphetamine either steal the entire tank or take substance from the tank. The latter poses the most danger to farmers.
“Farmers need to ensure that the ammonia they have on their property is secured, parked in an area that can be kept under observation and that empty tanks are not left in isolated areas,”
Field said. “There’s no such thing as an empty anhydrous tank. There is always some residual present and sometimes that’s all thieves are looking for.”

Farmers face two main hazards when thefts occur at their farms. The first is accidental contact with anhydrous ammonia from malfunctioning valves and spilled or leaking materials. Tampering and weakening of flow valves may occur when thieves obtain ammonia from the tank. Physical contact and inhalation of the substance can cause serious injuries from chemical burns to the body and the lungs.

The second is the explosive threat from anhydrous ammonia when thieves place it in improper containers. Because of the unique chemical properties of anhydrous, it can exert the same pressure as a fully inflated tire when placed in a closed container at 30 degrees Fahrenheit.

When it is placed in a container not designed to withstand this pressure, the risk of explosion is great.

“Corn producers should be on the lookout for signs of tampering and if found, call authorities,” Field said. “Farmers should be on the lookout for thermoses, jugs, white gas, paint thinners and drug boxes. Usually it will just look like a pile of garbage.”

Field also cautions them to be on the lookout for small barbecue propane tanks. Thieves often use these tanks as containers.
Aside from these two dangers there is still one more: Because anhydrous is a known hazardous substance and creates a dangerous condition, farmers could be liable for the harm to any farm visitor, including the trespassing thief. Field adds that liability can be reduced if the farmer can document reasonable precautions have been taken to secure the chemical and that signs warning of dangerous conditions have been posted.