The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) (“we”) are issuing this advisory as part of an ongoing federal effort to improve chemical risk management, and to advance safety and protect human health and the environment. This advisory contains information on recent and past accidents involving AMMONIUM NITRATE (commonly referred to as AN), on the hazards of AN, how to manage these hazards, and appropriate steps for community emergency planning and proper emergency response. It is focused primarily on safe handling and storage of higher density, solid AN pellets and prills (a prill is a small bead) used in fertilizers. This advisory is intended to broadly disseminate lessons learned from recent incidents involving AN so that such incidents can be prevented in the future. Also provided is a list of information resources, including relevant codes and standards, industry publications, and applicable statutes and regulations that will help facilities handling AN and first responders better understand the hazards so they can effectively manage the risks. The information provided is not intended to cover all the hazards, safe practices or technical challenges associated with the manufacturing of AN; liquid fertilizers containing AN; manufacturing, storage or use of explosives or blasting agents containing AN; or the transportation of AN. For these particular situations, please consult other sources including the appropriate references, standards, and regulations, cited at the end of this document. CLICK HERE (pdf) for the Advisory.