The purpose of this letter is to make Agricultural Anhydrous Ammonia handlers in Iowa aware of new Anhydrous Ammonia Standards and changes the adaptation of the new standards and exceptions may bring. On December 15, 2014, CGA (Compressed Gas Association) received a Notification of Final Action on ANSI/CGA G-2.1, 2014, Safety Requirements for the Storage and Handling of Anhydrous Ammonia provided by ANSI’s Board of Standards Review. The new ANSI/CGA Standards are now the accepted standard in Anhydrous Ammonia storage and handling and regulatory agencies have the ability to expect compliance with the standards. Some of the changes an Anhydrous Ammonia handler will see as a result of the accepted ANSI/CGA standard are:
- Unless the storage site’s emergency response calls for them, 2 full faced gas masks and canisters are no longer required. However OSHA will still require them.
- Any storage container without a dataplate or identifying U-1A build sheet will have to be taken out of service by 2030. The new standard does allow retesting per NBIC.
- All metal flexible connections for permanent, nonrefrigerated installations shall be double braided and have a minimum working pressure of 350 psig. Manufacturer’s markings or identifying labeling must be on a connection end.
- Underground piping shall be evaluated at a minimum of every 5 years to ensure leak tightness.
- Prior to each day’s use the hose assembly shall be visually inspected for possible weakness. Hoses used seasonally shall have an additional documented inspection before each season. The inspection criteria are described in detail in the standard.
- Piers, or saddles, should extend over at least one third of the circumference of the shell. If not, engineering documents may be required that state existing pier design provides equal conformity.
- Each storage site must have a visible emergency sign noting the phrase “EMERGENCY INFORMATION”, name of the facility, name or title of at least 2 responsible persons, area code and telephone numbers of each person listed, and the phrase “the 911 address is”, and the appropriate 911 address in 2 inch letters.
- Hoses will only be allowed to be used for the service life recommended by the manufacturer, or if not stated, 10 years from the date of manufacture.
- Container pressure relief valves shall be replaced no later than 5 years following the date of manufacture.
- Anhydrous Ammonia equipment and components must be installed, operated, and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations or best engineering practices.
- Areas in a storage site will have to be clear of combustibles and kept clear of materials and objects as to not interfere with emergency actions or evacuation.
- Bulkheads are now required in the new standard.
- Not only is exposed piping to be protected from impact but also the storage system and components.
- The emergency shut off valve required in the line going to the remote transfer station (risers), is now to be placed on the intake side of the pump, preferably as close to the storage tank as possible.
- Additional excess flow valves on double tanks are still required, mechanical remote shut offs may be used.