Hazardous chemicals

Anhydrous ammonia gas – safety in agriculture guidance note

Anhydrous ammonia gas often referred to simply as ammonia gas has been used as a fertiliser in agriculture since the 1930’s and plays an important role because it is one the most widely used sources of nitrogen necessary for optimal plant growth, protein production and photosynthesis.

While ammonia gas has many benefits in agriculture, it is a hazardous chemical and the uncontrolled accidental release of ammonia gas has resulted in significant safety incidents and fatalities, and should be transported, stored, handled and used by appropriately authorised and trained workers using specifically designed and certified equipment and vessels (tanks).

As a hazardous chemical ammonia gas is subject to a number of legislative, dangerous goods and workplace health and safety requirements.

This guidance note outlines some of the key workplace safety and legislative obligations in relation to the use of ammonia gas within a workplace as well as aspects of storage and transport.

Anhydrous Ammonia Gas – Safety in agriculture guidance note (PDF, 0.92 MB)