When handling anhydrous ammonia (NH3), safety precautions aren’t simply a checklist to review and mark off your to-do list — they can help prevent a crisis. A recent incident shared by Chase Dewitz serves as a powerful reminder of the potential dangers of working with NH3 and the importance of staying vigilant about safety.
In late October, what began as routine equipment maintenance on the farm turned into a workplace accident that left one of Dewitz’s employees severely burned.
The incident unfolded at a fill site with a bulk tank of NH3 that had a faulty O-ring on the metering system and allowed product to leak, recalls Dewitz, who farms near Steele, N.D.
He and the employee discussed getting the O-ring replaced, but other priorities took precedent and that didn’t happen. Furthermore, on the day of the accident, the O-ring appeared to be functioning properly.
“I think what happened is the O-ring got wet from product, sweated, swelled, and seemed to kind of fix itself, because there was no leaking. He proceeded to take the chamber apart, loosening bolts, and when he reached a certain point, the O-ring failed and a fair amount of anhydrous blew out on him,” Dewitz says.
In a panic, the employee didn’t turn to the emergency water soak tank that was located less than 10 feet away and immerse himself in water. Instead, he went to the farm shop, which was more than 150 feet away. Fortunately, Dewitz says one of his other employees, who has some first aid training, was at the shop and able to step up and take charge of the situation.
“They got all his clothes removed and started pouring water over him, irrigating him, but he still had some significant burns,” Dewitz says.
Now, several weeks later, the injured employee is recovering in a Minneapolis-based burn facility after undergoing skin graft surgery — a stark reminder that short-sighted decisions can have life-altering consequences.
A Cautionary Reminder For Farmers This Fall
As fall anhydrous ammonia applications get underway, Dewitz says he wanted to share this story to remind farmers and farm employees to stay diligent with safety practices that can keep them safe while handling NH3.
“I think we’re going to see people who maybe haven’t used anhydrous for quite some time use it this fall, and they may have forgotten how much respect you need to have for this product,” he says. “My other concern is if farmers drag an old piece of equipment out of the shed that hasn’t been used for a number of years, and it isn’t up to the job.”
Fred Whitford says anhydrous ammonia training — and retraining — needs to be provided to all workers, whether part-time seasonal workers, newly hired recruits, tenured farming veterans, or even those who work behind customer counters at retail facilities.
“A constant focus on anhydrous ammonia safety helps ensure that everyone fully appreciates their role in protecting themselves, their coworkers, and the community,” says Whitford, director of Purdue Pesticide Programs.
“Three-fourths of your staff may have never been around anhydrous,” Dewitz adds.
Here are additional takeaways to keep in mind if you plan to use NH3 for 2026 crops:
Never underestimate the need to prep equipment adequately. A malfunctioning O-ring might seem trivial, but as this case demonstrates, overlooking small details can lead to significant consequences.
Always use protective equipment. Protective clothing, masks and gloves are not optional—they’re essential. As Dewitz notes, “A lot of protective equipment is available... people just fail to utilize it.”
Stay calm if an emergency does occur. That’s easier said than done in emotionally charged situations, but panic can amplify risks and accidents.
Take precautions when driving a tank of product to the field. Do not exceed 30 miles per hour, display a slow-moving vehicle emblem visible from the rear, and secure tanks with two independent chains in addition to the hitch pin or clip, advises the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.
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