ABE128

Storage and Handling of Anhydrous Ammonia — OSHA

Standard 1910.111 1
Carol J. Lehtola, Charles M. Brown, and William J. Becker 2

The Impact of Safety on Florida Safety in Florida agriculture is challenging because:

Agriculture
• the state's agricultural enterprises are diverse,
Florida agriculture, including forestry and fishing,
• safety knowledge among workers varies,
made an annual economic impact of $98 billion in
2004. More than 390,000 workers are directly • manual labor is used extensively,
employed in these industries in Florida, and another
380,000 people are employed in activities related to • the climate creates year-round heat stress.
agriculture (Hodges 2006). The state's agricultural
Therefore, it is vital to assist the public in learning
enterprises range from large citrus, vegetable and
about OSHA documents related to agriculture. More
cattle operations to small family-operated farms.
information about the OSHA Standards and
In spite of the popular images of agriculture, it is a agricultural safety is available at the following Web
highly mechanized, industrial profession with one of sites:
the highest injury and death rates among U.S.
• Florida AgSafe: <http://www.flagsafe.ufl.edu>
industries. The last study of death rates in Florida
agriculture (Liller 2000) found 240 deaths from 1989 • OSHA Regulations:
to 1998. In 2005, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS <http://www.osha.gov/comp-links.html>
2005a), reported that death due to injury in
agriculture was 31.4 deaths per 100,000 full-time • National Agricultural Safety Database:
workers, which was the highest rate among all major <http://www.cdc.gov/nasd/>
occupational groups and an increase of 14% over
2004. Also in 2005, the Bureau of Labor Statistics
reported 6,100 injuries per 100,000 full-time workers
(BLS 2005b).

1. This document is ABE128, one of a series of the Agricultural and Biological Engineering Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of
Food and Agricultural Sciences,of Florida. First published January 2001. Revised September 2007. Please visit the EDIS Web site at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu.
2. Carol J. Lehtola, Associate Professor and State Extension Safety Specialist; Charles M. Brown, Coordinator for Information and Publication Services;
William J. Becker, Professor Emeritus; Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of
Florida, Gainesville 32611.

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Opportunity Institution authorized to provide research, educational information and
other services only to individuals and institutions that function with non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex,
sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service,
University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A. & M. University Cooperative Extension Program, and Boards of County Commissioners Cooperating. Larry
Arrington, Dean
Storage and Handling of Anhydrous Ammonia — OSHA Standard 1910.111 2

Overview anhydrous ammonia systems including

refrigerated ammonia storage systems.
This document, a condensation of Section 1910.111
of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (29 CFR), (ii)-- This standard does not apply to: Ammonia
is not intended to be totally inclusive but rather to manufacturing plants. Refrigeration plants where
highlight the information and requirements in the ammonia is used solely as a refrigerant.
complete OSHA standard that owners and managers
of all agricultural businesses should understand. 1910.111(a)(2) — Definitions
Refer to the OSHA Web site given above for the
Terms used in this section are defined as follows:
complete standard and for court interpretations of the
standard. Appurtenances — All devices such as pumps,
compressors, safety-relief devices, liquid-level
Contents of OSHA Standard
gaging devices, valves and pressure gages.
1910.111
Capacity — Total volume of the container in standard
• Section 1910.111(a) — General Topics U.S. gallons.
• Section 1910.111(b) — Basic Rules Cylinder — A container of 1,000 pounds of water
capacity or less constructed in accordance with
• Section 1910.111(c) — Systems Utilizing
Department of Transportation specifications.
Stationary, Nonrefrigerated Storage Containers
Code — The Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section
• Section 1910.111(d) — Refrigerated Storage
VIII, Unfired Pressure Vessels of the American
Systems
Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) — 1968.
• Section 1910.111(e) — Systems Utilizing
Container — Includes all vessels, tanks, cylinders, or
Portable DOT Containers
spheres used for transportation, storage, or
• Section 1910.111(f) — Tank Motor Vehicles application of anhydrous ammonia.
for the Transportation of Ammonia
DOT — U.S. Department of Transportation.
• Section 1910.111(g) — Systems Mounted on
DOT specifications — Regulations of the Department
Farm Vehicles Other Than for the Application of
Ammonia of Transportation published in 49 CFR Chapter I.

Design pressure — Identical to the term "Maximum

• Section 1910.111(h) — Systems Mounted on
Allowable Working Pressure" used in the Code.
Farm Vehicles for the Application of Ammonia
Farm vehicle — (implement of husbandry) A vehicle
NOTE: Some sections of OSHA standards are
for use on a farm on which is mounted a container of
labeled "Reserved." This label implies either that
not over 1,200 gallons water capacity.
information has been deleted from the previous
version of the standard or that additions to the Filling density — The percent ratio of the weight of
standard are anticipated. Because standards often the gas in a container to the weight of water at 60 deg.
reference other standards, it is important that F. that the container will hold.
paragraph numbers remain consistent.
Gas — Anhydrous ammonia in either the gaseous or
Secton 1910.111(a) — General Topics liquefied state.
1910.111(a)(1) — Scope Gas masks — Gas masks must be approved by the
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
(i)-- This standard is intended to apply to the design,
(NIOSH) under 42 CFR part 84 for use with
construction, location, installation, and operation of
anhydrous ammonia.
Storage and Handling of Anhydrous Ammonia — OSHA Standard 1910.111 3

Section 1910.111(b) — Basic Rules document shall be signed by a registered

professional engineer or other person
This discussion applies to all paragraphs of this
having special training or experience
section unless otherwise noted.
sufficient to permit him to form an opinion
1910.111(b)(1) — Approval of Equipment and as to safety of the unit involved. The
Systems. Each appurtenance shall be approved in document shall set forth the test bases, test
accordance with paragraphs (b)(1)(i), (ii), (iii), or data and results, and also the qualifications
(iv) of this section.
of the certifying person.
(i)— It was installed before February 8, 1973, and was
(v)— For the purposes of this paragraph (b)(1), the
approved, tested, and installed in accordance with
word "listed" means that equipment is of a kind
either the provisions of the American National
mentioned in a list which is published by a nationally
Standard for the Storage and Handling of Anhydrous
recognized laboratory which makes periodic
Ammonia, K61.1, or the Fertilizer Institute Standards
inspection of the production of such equipment, and
for the Storage and Handling of Agricultural
states such equipment meets nationally recognized
Anhydrous Ammonia, M-1, (both of which are
incorporated by reference as specified in Sec. 1910.6) standards or has been tested and found safe for use in
a specified manner. "Labeled" means there is attached
in effect at the time of installation; or
to it a label, symbol, or other identifying mark of a
(ii)— It is accepted, or certified, or listed, or labeled, nationally recognized testing laboratory which, makes
or otherwise determined to be safe by a nationally periodic inspections of the production of such
recognized testing laboratory; or equipment, and whose labeling indicates compliance
with nationally recognized standards or tests to
(iii)— It is a type which no nationally recognized determine safe use in a specified manner. "Certified"
testing laboratory does, or will undertake to, accept, means it has been tested and found by a nationally
certify, list, label, or determine to be safe; and such recognized testing laboratory to meet nationally
equipment is inspected or tested by any Federal, recognized standards or to be safe for use in a
State, municipal, or other local authority responsible specified manner, or is of a kind whose production is
for enforcing occupational safety provisions of a periodically inspected by a nationally recognized
Federal, State, municipal or other local law, code, or testing laboratory, and it bears a label, tag, or other
regulation pertaining to the storage, handling, record of certification.
transport, and use of anhydrous ammonia, and found
to be in compliance with either the provisions of the (vi)— For the purposes of this paragraph (b)(1), refer
American National Standard for the Storage and to 1910.7 for definition of nationally recognized
Handling of Anhydrous Ammonia, K61.1, or the testing laboratory.
Fertilizer Institute Standards for the Storage and
1910.111(b)(2) — Requirements for Construction,
Handling of Agricultural Anhydrous Ammonia, M-1,
Original Test and Requalification of
in effect at the time of installation; or
Nonrefrigerated Containers
(iv)— It is a custom-designed and custom-built unit,
(i)— Containers used with systems covered in (c),
which no nationally recognized testing laboratory, or
(f), (g), and (h) shall be constructed and tested in
Federal, State, municipal or local authority
accordance with the Code except that construction
responsible for the enforcement of a Federal, State,
under Table UW12 at a basic joint efficiency of under
municipal, or local law, code or regulation pertaining
80 percent is not authorized.
to the storage, transportation and use of anhydrous
ammonia is willing to undertake to accept, certify, (ii)— Containers built according to the Code do not
list, label or determine to be safe, and the employer have to comply with Paragraphs UG125 to UG128
has on file a document attesting to its safe condition inclusive, and Paragraphs UG132 and UG133 of the
following the conduct of appropriate tests. The Code.
Storage and Handling of Anhydrous Ammonia — OSHA Standard 1910.111 4

(d) With the name and address of the supplier of

(ii)— Containers exceeding 36 inches in diameter or
the system or the trade name of the system and
250 gallons water capacity shall be constructed to
with the date of fabrication. Underground and
comply with one or more of the following:
aboveground: System nameplate.
• Containers shall be stress relieved after (e) With the water capacity of the container in
fabrication in accordance with the Code, or pounds at 60 deg. F. or gallons, U.S. Standard.
Underground: Container and system nameplate.
• Cold-form heads when used, shall be stress Aboveground: Container.
relieved, or (f) With the design pressure in pounds per square
inch. Underground: Container and system
• Hot-formed heads shall be used. nameplate. Aboveground: Container.
(iv)— Welding to the shell, head, or any other part of (g) With the wall thickness of the shell and
the container subject to internal pressure shall be heads. Underground: Container and system
done in compliance with the Code. Other welding is nameplate. Aboveground: Container.
permitted only on saddle plates, lugs, or brackets (h) With marking indicating the maximum level
attached to the container by the container to which the container may be filled with liquid
manufacturer. anhydrous ammonia at temperatures between 20
deg. F. and 130 deg. F. except on containers
(v)— Containers used with systems covered in provided with fixed level indicators, such as
1910.111(e) shall be constructed and tested in fixed length dip tubes, or containers that are
accordance with the DOT specifications. filled with weight. Markings shall be in
increments of not more than 20 deg. F. Above
(vi)— The provisions of subdivision (i) of ground and under ground: System nameplate or
1910.111(b)(2) shall not be construed as prohibiting on liquid-level gaging device.
the continued use or reinstallation of containers (i) With the total outside surface area of the
constructed and maintained in accordance with the container in square feet. Underground: System
1949, 1950, 1952, 1956, 1959, and 1962 editions of nameplate. Aboveground: No requirement.
the Code or any revisions thereof in effect at the time (j) Marking specified on the container shall be on
of fabrication. the container itself or on a nameplate
permanently attached to it.
1910.111(b)(3) — Marking Nonrefrigerated
Containers 1910.111(b)(4) — Marking Refrigerated
Containers. Each refrigerated container shall be
(i) — System nameplates, when required, shall be marked with nameplate on the outer covering in an
permanently attached to the system so as to be accessible place as specified in the following:
readily accessible for inspection and shall include
markings as prescribed in subdivision (ii) of this (i) — With the notation, "Anhydrous Ammonia."
section.
(ii) — With the name and address of the builder and
(ii) — Each container or system covered in section the date of fabrication.
1910.111 (c), (f), (g), and (h) of this section shall be
marked as specified in the following subsections: (iii) — With the water capacity of the container in
gallons, U.S. Standard.
(a) With a notation "Anhydrous Ammonia."
(b) With a marking identifying compliance with (iv) — With the design pressure.
the rules of the Code under which the container
is constructed. Under ground: Container and (v) — With the minimum temperature in degrees
system nameplate. Above ground: Container. Fahrenheit for which the container was designed.
(c) With a notation whether the system is
designed for underground or aboveground (vi) — The maximum allowable water level to which
installation or both. the container may be filled for test purposes.
Storage and Handling of Anhydrous Ammonia — OSHA Standard 1910.111 5

(vii) — With the density of the product in pounds per (iv) — Liquid-level gaging devices that require
cubic foot for which the container was designed. bleeding of the product to the atmosphere and which
are so constructed that outward flow will not exceed
(viii) — With the maximum level to which the that passed by a No. 54 drill-size opening need not be
container may be filled with liquid anhydrous equipped with excess flow valves.
ammonia.
(v) — Openings from the container or through fittings
1910.111(b)(5) — Location of Containers attached directly on the container to which pressure
gage connections are made need not be equipped with
(i) — Consideration shall be given to the
physiological effects of ammonia as well as to excess flow valves if such openings are not larger
than No. 54 drill size.
adjacent fire hazards in selecting the location for a
storage container. Containers shall be located outside (vi) — Excess flow and back pressure check valves
of buildings or in buildings or sections thereof where required by the standards in this section shall
especially provided for this purpose. be located inside of the container or at a point outside
as close as practicable to where the line enters the
(ii) — Permanent storage containers shall be located
container. In the latter case installation shall be made
at least 50 feet from a dug well or other sources of
in such manner that any undue strain beyond the
potable water supply, unless the container is a part of
excess flow or back pressure check valve will not
a water-treatment installation.
cause breakage between the container and the valve.
(iii) — [Reserved]
(vii) — Excess flow valves shall be designed with a
(iv) — [Reserved] bypass, not to exceed a No. 60 drill-size opening to
allow equalization of pressures.
(v) — Storage areas shall be kept free of readily
ignitable materials such as waste, weeds, and long dry (viii) — All excess flow valves shall be plainly and
grass. permanently marked with the name or trademark of
the manufacturer, the catalog number, and the rated
1910.111(b)(6) — Container Appurtenances capacity.

(i) — All appurtenances shall be designed for not less 1910.111(b)(7) — Piping, Tubing, and Fittings
than the maximum working pressure of that portion
of the system on which they are installed. All (i) — All piping, tubing, and fittings shall be made of
appurtenances shall be fabricated from materials material suitable for anhydrous ammonia service.
proved suitable for anhydrous ammonia service.
(ii) — All piping, tubing, and fittings shall be
(ii) — All connections to containers except designed for a pressure not less than the maximum
safety-relief devices, gaging devices, or those fitted pressure to which they may be subjected in service.
with No. 54 drill-size orifice shall have shutoff valves
(iii) — All refrigerated piping shall conform to the
located as close to the container as practicable.
Refrigeration Piping Code, American National
(iii) — Excess flow valves where required by these Standards Institute, B31.5-1966 with addenda
standards shall close automatically at the rated flows B31.1a-1968, which is incorporated by reference as
of vapor or liquid as specified by the manufacturer. specified in Sec. 1910.6, as it applies to ammonia.
The connections and line including valves and fittings
(iv) — Piping used on non-refrigerated systems shall
being protected by an excess flow valve shall have a
be at least American Society for Testing and
greater capacity than the rated flow of the excess flow
valve so that the valve will close in case of failure of Materials (ASTM) —- A-53-69 Grade B Electric
Resistance Welded and Electric Flash Welded Pipe,
the line or fittings.
which is incorporated by reference as specified in
Sec. 1910.6, or equal. Such pipe shall be at least
Storage and Handling of Anhydrous Ammonia — OSHA Standard 1910.111 6

schedule 40 when joints are welded, or (v) — On all hose one-half inch outside diameter and
welded and flanged. Such pipe shall be at larger, used for the transfer of anhydrous ammonia
least schedule 80 when joints are threaded. liquid or vapor, there shall be etched, cast, or
impressed at 5-foot intervals the following
Threaded connections shall not be
information: Anhydrous Ammonia XXX p.s.i.g.
back-welded. Brass, copper, or galvanized (maximum working pressure), manufacturer's name
steel pipe shall not be used. or trademark, year of manufacture.

(v) — Tubing made of brass, copper, or other material In lieu of this requirement the same information may
subject to attack by ammonia shall not be used. be contained on a nameplate permanently attached to
the hose.
(vi) — Cast iron fittings shall not be used but this shall
not prohibit the use of fittings made specifically for 1910.111(b)(9) — Safety-Relief Devices
ammonia service of malleable, nodular, or high
strength gray iron meeting American Society for (i) — Every container used in systems covered by
Testing and Materials (ASTM) A47-68, ASTM 1910.111 (c), (f), (g), and (h) shall be provided with
395-68, or ASTM A126-66 Class B or C, all of which one or more safety-relief valves of the spring-loaded
are incorporated by reference as specified in Sec. or equivalent type. The discharge from safety-relief
1910.6. valves shall be vented away from the container
upward and unobstructed to the atmosphere. All
(vii) — Joint compounds shall be resistant to relief-valve discharge openings shall have suitable
ammonia. rain caps that will allow free discharge of the vapor
and prevent entrance of water. Provision shall be
1910.111(b)(8) — Hose Specifications
made for draining condensate which may accumulate.
(i) — Hose used in ammonia service shall conform to The rate of the discharge shall be in accordance with
the joint Agricultural Ammonia Institute - Rubber the provisions of Table H-36.
Manufacturers Association Specifications for
(ii) — Container safety-relief valves shall be set to
Anhydrous Ammonia Hose.
start-to-discharge according to Table 2, with relation
(ii) — Hose subject to container pressure shall be to the design pressure of the container.
designed for a minimum working pressure of 350
(iii) — Safety-relief devices used in systems covered
p.s.i.g. and a minimum burst pressure of 1,750 p.s.i.g. by 1910.111 (c), (f), (g), and (h) shall be constructed
Hose assemblies, when made up, shall be capable of
to discharge at not less than the rates required in
withstanding a test pressure of 500 p.s.i.g.
1910.111 (b)(9)(i) before the pressure is in excess of
(iii) — Hose and hose connections located on the 120 percent [not including the 10 percent tolerance
low-pressure side of flow control of referred to in 1910.111 (b)(9)(ii)] of the maximum
pressure-reducing valves shall be designed for a permitted start-to-discharge pressure setting of the
bursting pressure of not less than 5 times the pressure device.
setting of the safety-relief devices protecting that
(iv) — Safety-relief valves shall be so arranged that
portion of the system but not less than 125 p.s.i.g. All
the possibility of tampering will be minimized. If the
connections shall be so designed and constructed that
pressure setting adjustment is external, the relief
there will be no leakage when connected.
valves shall be provided with means for sealing the
(iv) — Where hose is to be used for transferring liquid adjustment.
from one container to another, "wet" hose is
(v) — Shutoff valves shall not be installed between
recommended. Such hose shall be equipped with the safety-relief valves and the container; except, that
approved shutoff valves at the discharge end.
a shutoff valve may be used where the arrangement of
Provision shall be made to prevent excessive pressure
this valve is such as always to afford full required
in the hose.
capacity flow through the relief valves.
Storage and Handling of Anhydrous Ammonia — OSHA Standard 1910.111 7

(vi) — Safety-relief valves shall have direct 1910.111(b)(11) — Charging of Containers

communication with the vapor space of the container.
(i) — The filling densities for containers that are not
(vii) — Each container safety-relief valve used with refrigerated shall not exceed the values given in Table
systems covered by 1910.111 (c), (f), (g), and (h) of 3.
this section shall be plainly and permanently marked
with the symbol "NH3" or "AA"; with the pressure in (ii) — Aboveground uninsulated containers may be
pounds-per-square-inch gage at which the valve is set charged 87.5 percent by volume provided the
to start-to-discharge; with the actual rate of discharge temperature of the anhydrous ammonia being
of the valve at its full open position in cubic feet per charged is determined to be not lower than 30 deg. F.
minute of air at 60 deg. F. and atmospheric pressure; or provided the charging of the container is stopped
and with the manufacturer's name and catalog at the first indication of frost or ice formation on its
number. Example: "NH3 250-4050 Air" indicates that outside surface and is not resumed until such frost or
the valve is suitable for use on an anhydrous ice has disappeared.
ammonia container, is set to start-to-discharge at a
1910.111(b)(12) — Transfer of Liquids
pressure of 250 p.s.i.g., and that its rate of discharge
at full open position [subdivisions (ii) and (iii) of this (i) — Anhydrous ammonia shall always be at a
section] is 4,050 cubic feet per minute of air. temperature suitable for the material of construction
and the design of the receiving container.
(viii) — The flow capacity of the relief valve shall not
be restricted by any connection to it on either the (ii) — The employer shall require the continuous
upstream or downstream side. presence of an attendant in the vicinity of the
operation during such time as ammonia is being
(ix) — A hydrostatic relief valve shall be installed
transferred.
between each pair of valves in the liquid ammonia
piping or hose where liquid may be trapped so as to (iii) — Containers shall be charged or used only upon
relieve into the atmosphere at a safe location. authorization of the owner.

1910.111(b)(10) — General (iv) — Containers shall be gaged and charged only in

the open atmosphere or in buildings or areas thereof
(i) — [Reserved]
provided for that purpose.
(ii) — Stationary storage installations must have at (v) — Pumps used for transferring ammonia shall be
least two suitable gas masks in readily-accessible
those manufactured for that purpose.
locations. Full-face masks with ammonia canisters
that have been approved by NIOSH under 42 CFR • Pumps shall be designed for at least 250
part 84 are suitable for emergency action involving p.s.i.g. working pressure.
most anhydrous ammonia leaks, particularly leaks
that occur outdoors. For respiratory protection in • Positive displacement pumps shall have,
concentrated ammonia atmospheres, a self-contained installed off the discharged port, a constant
breathing apparatus is required. differential relief valve discharging into the
suction port of the pump through a line of
(iii) — Stationary storage installations shall have an sufficient size to carry the full capacity of
easily accessible shower or a 50-gallon drum of the pump at relief valve setting, which
water. setting and installation shall be according to
the pump manufacturer's recommendations.
(iv) — Each vehicle transporting ammonia in bulk
except farm applicator vehicles shall carry a container • On the discharge side of the pump, before
of at least 5 gallons of water and shall be equipped the relief valve line, there shall be installed a
with a full face mask. pressure gage graduated from 0 to 400 p.s.i.
Storage and Handling of Anhydrous Ammonia — OSHA Standard 1910.111 8

• Plant piping shall contain shutoff valves (iii) — Caution signs shall be so placed on the track or
located as close as practical to pump car as to give necessary warning to persons
connections. approaching the car from open end or ends of siding
and shall be left up until after the car is unloaded and
(vi) — Compressors used for transferring or disconnected from discharge connections. Signs shall
refrigerating ammonia shall be recommended for be of metal or other suitable material, at least 12 by
ammonia service by the manufacturer. 15 inches in size and bear the words "STOP - Tank
Car Connected" or "STOP - Men at Work" the word,
• Compressors shall be designed for at least
"STOP," being in letters at least 4 inches high and the
250 p.s.i.g. working pressure.
other words in letters at least 2 inches high.
• Plant piping shall contain shutoff valves
(iv) — The track of a tank car siding shall be
located as close as practical to compressor
substantially level.
connections.
(v) — Brakes shall be set and wheels blocked on all
• A relief valve large enough to discharge the
cars being unloaded.
full capacity of the compressor shall be
connected to the discharge before any 1910.111(b)(14) — Liquid-Level Gaging Device
shutoff valve.
(i) — Each container except those filled by weight
• Compressors shall have pressure gages at shall be equipped with an approved liquid-level
suction and discharge graduated to at least gaging device. A thermometer well shall be provided
one and one-half times the maximum in all containers not utilizing a fixed liquid-level
pressure that can be developed. gaging device.
• Adequate means, such as drainable liquid (ii) — All gaging devices shall be arranged so that the
trap, shall be provided on the compressor maximum liquid level to which the container is filled
suction to minimize the entry of liquid into is readily determined.
the compressor.
(iii) — Gaging devices that require bleeding of the
(vii) — Loading and unloading systems shall be product to the atmosphere such as the rotary tube,
protected by suitable devices to prevent emptying of fixed tube, and slip tube devices shall be designed so
the storage container or the container being loaded or that the maximum opening of the bleed valve is not
unloaded in the event of severance of the hose. larger than No. 54 drill size unless provided with an
Backflow check valves or properly sized excess flow excess flow valve. (This requirement does not apply
valves shall be installed where necessary to provide to farm vehicles used for the application of ammonia
such protection. In the event that such valves are not as covered in paragraph (h) of this section.)
practical, remotely operated shutoff valves may be
installed. (iv) — Gaging devices shall have a design pressure
equal to or greater than the design pressure of the
1910.111(b)(13) — Tank Car Unloading Points and container on which they are installed.
Operations
(v) — Fixed tube liquid-level gages shall be designed
(i) — Provisions for unloading tank cars shall conform and installed to indicate that level at which the
to the applicable recommendations contained in the container is filled to 85 percent of its water capacity
DOT regulations. in gallons.
(ii) — The employer shall insure that unloading (vi) — Gage glasses of the columnar type shall be
operations are performed by reliable persons properly restricted to stationary storage installations. They
instructed and given the authority to monitor careful shall be equipped with shutoff valves having metallic
compliance with all applicable procedures. handwheels, with excess-flow valves, and with extra
Storage and Handling of Anhydrous Ammonia — OSHA Standard 1910.111 9

heavy glass adequately protected with a (iii) — Each storage container shall be provided with
metal housing applied by the gage a pressure gage graduated from 0 to 400 p.s.i. Gages
manufacturer. They shall be shielded shall be designated for use in ammonia service.
against the direct rays of the sun. (iv) — All containers shall be equipped with vapor
return valves.
1910.111(b)(15) — [Reserved]
1910.111(c)(3) — Safety-Relief Devices
1910.111(b)(16) — Electrical Equipment and
Wiring (i) — Every container shall be provided with one or
more safety-relief valves of the spring-loaded or
(i) — Electrical equipment and wiring for use in
equivalent type in accordance with paragraph (b)(9)
ammonia installations shall be general purpose or
of this section.
weather resistant as appropriate.
(ii) — The rate of discharge of spring-loaded
(ii) — Electrical systems shall be installed and
safety-relief valves installed on underground
maintained in accordance with subpart S of this part.
containers may be reduced to a minimum of 30
Section 1910.111(c) — Systems percent of the rate of discharge specified in Table
H-36. Containers so protected shall not be uncovered
Utilizing Stationary, Nonrefrigerated
after installation until the liquid ammonia has been
Storage Containers removed. Containers which may contain liquid
ammonia before being installed underground and
This section applies to stationary, nonrefrigerated
before being completely covered with earth are to be
storage installations utilizing containers other than
considered aboveground containers when
those covered in 1910.111 (e). Section 1910.111(b)
determining the rate of discharge requirements of the
also applies here unless otherwise noted.
safety-relief valves.
1910.111(c)(1) — Design Pressure and
(iii) — On underground installations where there is a
Construction of Containers. The minimum design
probability of the manhole or housing becoming
pressure for nonrefrigerated containers shall be 250
flooded, the discharge from vent lines shall be located
p.s.i.g.
above the high water level. All manholes or housings
1910.111(c)(2) — Container Valves and shall be provided with ventilated louvers or their
Accessories, Filling and Discharge Connections equivalent, the area of such openings equaling or
exceeding combined discharge areas of safety-relief
(i) — Each filling connection shall be provided with valves and vent lines which discharge their content
combination back-pressure check valve and into the manhole housing.
excess-flow valve; one double or two single
back-pressure check valves; or a positive shutoff (iv) — Vent pipes, when used, shall not be restricted
valve in conjunction with either an internal or of smaller diameter than the relief-valve outlet
back-pressure check valve or an internal excess flow connection.
valve.
(v) — If desired, vent pipes from two or more
(ii) — All liquid and vapor connections to containers safety-relief devices located on the same unit, or
except filling pipes, safety-relief connections, and similar lines from two or more different units may be
liquid-level gaging and pressure gage connections run into a common discharge header, provided the
provided with orifices not larger than No. 54 drill size capacity of such header is at least equal to the sum of
as required in Section 1910.111 (b)(6)(iv) and (v) the capacities of the individual discharge lines.
shall be equipped with excess-flow valves.
1910.111(c)(4) — Reinstallation of Containers
Storage and Handling of Anhydrous Ammonia — OSHA Standard 1910.111 10

(i) — Containers once installed under ground shall not (v) — Containers with foundations attached (portable
later be reinstalled above ground or under ground, or semiportable tank containers with suitable steel
unless they successfully withstand hydrostatic "runners" or "skids" and commonly known in the
pressure retests at the pressure specified for the industry as "skid tanks") shall be designed and
original hydrostatic test as required by the code under constructed in accordance with Section 1910.111
which constructed and show no evidence of serious (c)(1).
corrosion.
(vi) — Secure anchorage or adequate pier height shall
(ii) — Where containers are reinstalled above ground, be provided against container flotation wherever
safety devices or gaging devices shall comply with sufficiently high flood water might occur.
Section 1910.111 (b)(9) of this section and this
section respectively for aboveground containers. (vii) —- The distance between underground
containers of over 2,000 gallons capacity shall be at
1910.111(c)(5) — Installation of Storage Containers least 5 feet.

(i) — Containers installed above ground, except as 1910.111(c)(6) — Protection of Appurtenances

provided in Subparagraph (v) of this section shall be
provided with substantial concrete or masonry (i) — Valves, regulating, gaging, and other
supports, or structural steel supports on firm concrete appurtenances shall be protected against tampering
or masonry foundations. All foundations shall extend and physical damage. Such appurtenances shall also
below the frost line. be protected during transit of containers.

(ii) — Horizontal aboveground containers shall be so (ii) — All connections to underground containers shall
mounted on foundations as to permit expansion and be located within a dome, housing, or manhole and
contraction. Every container shall be supported to with access thereto by means of a substantial cover.
prevent the concentration of excessive loads on the
1910.111(c)(7) — Damage from Vehicles. Precaution
supporting portion of the shell. That portion of the
shall be taken against damage to ammonia systems
container in contact with foundations or saddles shall
from vehicles.
be protected against corrosion.
Section 1910.111(d) — Refrigerated
(iii) — Containers installed under ground shall be so
placed that the top of the container is below the frost Storage Systems
line and in no case less than 2 feet below the surface
This section applies to systems utilizing containers
of the ground. Should ground conditions make
with the storage of anhydrous ammonia under
compliance with these requirements impracticable,
refrigerated conditions. All applicable rules of section
installation shall be made otherwise to prevent
1910.111 (b) also apply here unless otherwise
physical damage. It will not be necessary to cover the
noted.
portion of the container to which manhole and other
connections are affixed. When necessary to prevent 1910.111(d)(1) — Design of Containers
floating, containers shall be securely anchored or
weighted. (i) — The design temperature shall be the minimum
temperature to which the container will be
(iv) — Underground containers shall be set on a firm refrigerated.
foundation (firm earth may be used) and surrounded
with earth or sand well tamped in place. The (ii) — Containers with a design pressure exceeding 15
container, prior to being placed under ground, shall p.s.i.g. shall be constructed in accordance with
be given a corrosion resisting protective coating. The 1910.111 (b)(2), and the materials shall be selected
container thus coated shall be so lowered into place from those listed in API Standard 620,
as to prevent abrasion or other damage to the coating. Recommended Rules for Design and Construction of
Large, Welded, Low-Pressure Storage Tanks, Fourth
Storage and Handling of Anhydrous Ammonia — OSHA Standard 1910.111 11

Edition, 1970, Tables 2.02, R2.2, R2.2(A), spring-loaded, weight-loaded, or

R2.2.1, or R2.3, which are incorporated by self-contained pilot-operated type.
reference as specified in Sec. 1910.6.
(ii) — The total relieving capacity shall be the larger
(iii) — Containers with a design pressure of 15 p.s.i.g. of:
and less shall be constructed in accordance with the
• Possible refrigeration system upset such as
applicable requirements of API Standard 620
(1) cooling water failure, (2) power failure,
including its Appendix R.
(3) instrument air or instrument failure, (4)
(iv) — When austenitic steels or nonferrous materials mechanical failure of any equipment, (5)
are used, the Code shall be used as a guide in the excessive pumping rates.
selection of materials for use at the design
• Fire exposure determined in accordance
temperature.
with Compressed Gas Association (CGA)
(v) — The filling density for refrigerated storage S-1, Part 3, Safety Relief Device Standards
containers shall be such that the container will not be for Compressed Gas Storage Containers,
liquid full at a liquid temperature corresponding to 1959, which is incorporated by reference as
the vapor pressure at the start-to-discharge pressure specified in Sec. 1910.6, except that "A"
setting of the safety-relief valve. shall be the total exposed surface area in
square feet up to 25 foot above grade or to
1910.111(d)(2) — Installation of Refrigerated the equator of the storage container if it is a
Storage Containers sphere, whichever is greater. If the relieving
capacity required for fire exposure is greater
(i) — Containers shall be supported on suitable
than that required by (a) of this subdivision,
noncombustible foundations designed to the additional capacity may be provided by
accommodate the type of container being used.
weak roof to shell seams in containers
(ii) — Adequate protection against flotation or other operating at essentially atmospheric
water damage shall be provided wherever high flood pressure and having an inherently weak
water might occur. roof-to-shell seam. The weak roof-to-shell
seam is not to be considered as providing
(iii) — Containers for product storage at less than 32 any of the capacity required in (a) of this
deg. F. shall be supported in such a way, or heat shall subdivision.
be supplied, to prevent the effects of freezing and
consequent frost heaving. (iii) — If vent lines are installed to conduct the vapors
from the relief valve, the back pressure under full
1910.111(d)(3) — Shutoff Valves. When operating relieving conditions shall not exceed 50 percent of the
conditions make it advisable, a check valve shall be start-to-discharge pressure for pressure balanced
installed on the fill connection and a remotely valves or 10 percent of the start-to-discharge pressure
operated shutoff valve on other connections located for conventional valves. The vent lines shall be
below the maximum liquid level. installed to prevent accumulation of liquid in the lines.

1910.111(d)(4) — Safety-Relief Devices (iv) — The valve or valve installation shall provide
weather protection.
(i) — Safety-relief valves shall be set to
start-to-discharge at a pressure not in excess of the (v) — Atmospheric storage shall be provided with
design pressure of the container and shall have a total vacuum breakers. Ammonia gas, nitrogen, methane,
relieving capacity sufficient to prevent a maximum or other inert gases can be used to provide a pad.
pressure in the container of more than 120 percent of
the design pressure. Relief valves for refrigerated 1910.111(d)(5) — Protection of Container
storage containers shall be self-contained Appurtenances. Appurtenances shall be protected
against tampering and physical damage.
Storage and Handling of Anhydrous Ammonia — OSHA Standard 1910.111 12

1910.111(d)(6) — Reinstallation of Refrigerated 1910.111(d)(10) — Compressor Drives

Storage Containers. Containers of such size as to
require field fabrication shall, when moved and (i) — Each compressor shall have its individual
reinstalled, be reconstructed and reinspected in driving unit.
complete accordance with the requirements under
(ii) — An emergency source of power of sufficient
which they were constructed. The containers shall be
capacity to handle the loads listed in 1910.111 (d)(8),
subjected to a pressure retest and if rerating is
subsections (i)' (a) and (b) shall be provided unless
necessary, rerating shall be in accordance with
facilities are available to safely dispose of vented
applicable requirements.
vapors while the refrigeration system is not operating.
1910.111(d)(7) — Damage from Vehicles.
1910.111(d)(11) — Automatic Control Equipment
Precaution shall be taken against damage from
vehicles. (i) — The refrigeration system shall be arranged with
suitable controls to govern the compressor operation
1910.111(d)(8) — Refrigeration Load and
in accordance with the load as evidenced by the
Equipment
pressure in the container(s).
(i) — The total refrigeration load shall be computed as (ii) — An emergency alarm system shall be installed
the sum of the following:
to function in the event the pressure in the
(a) Load imposed by heat flow into the container(s) rises to the maximum allowable
container caused by the temperature operating pressure.
differential between design ambient
temperature and storage temperature. (iii) — An emergency alarm and shutoff shall be
(b) Load imposed by heat flow into the located in the condenser system to respond to excess
container caused by maximum sun radiation. discharge pressure caused by failure of the cooling
(c) Maximum load imposed by filling the medium.
container with ammonia warmer than the
design storage temperature. (iv) — All automatic controls shall be installed in a
manner to preclude operation of alternate
(ii) — More than one storage container may be compressors unless the controls will function with
handled by the same refrigeration system. the alternate compressors.
1910.111(d)(9) — Compressors 1910.111(d)(12) — Separators for Compressors

(i) — A minimum of two compressors shall be (i) — An entrainment separator of suitable size and
provided either of which shall be of sufficient size to design pressure shall be installed in the compressor
handle the loads listed in 1910.111 (d)(8)(i)(a) and suction line of lubricated compression. The separator
(b). Where more than two compressors are provided, shall be equipped with a drain and gaging device.
minimum standby equipment equal to the largest
normally operating equipment shall be installed. 1910.111(d)(13) — Condensers. The condenser
Filling compressors may be used as standby system may be cooled by air or water or both. The
equipment for holding compressors. condenser shall be designed for at least 250 p.s.i.g.
Provision shall be made for purging noncondensibles
(ii) — Compressors shall be sized to operate with a either manually or automatically.
suction pressure at least 10 percent below the
minimum setting of the safety valve(s) on the storage 1910.111(d)(14) — Receiver and Liquid Drain. A
container and shall withstand a suction pressure at receiver shall be provided with a liquid-level control
least equal to 120 percent of the design pressure of to discharge the liquid ammonia to storage. The
the container. receiver shall be designed for at least 250 p.s.i.g. and
be equipped with the necessary connections, safety
valves, and gaging device.
Storage and Handling of Anhydrous Ammonia — OSHA Standard 1910.111 13

1910.111(d)(15) — Insulation. Refrigerated requirements covering farm vehicles, refer

containers and pipelines which are insulated shall be to 1910.111 (g) and (h) section 1910.111
covered with a material of suitable quality and (b) applied to this paragraph unless
thickness for the temperatures encountered.
otherwise noted. Containers and pertinent
Insulation shall be suitably supported and protected
against the weather. Weatherproofing shall be of a equipment for tank motor vehicles for the
type which will not support flame propagation. transportation of anhydrous ammonia, in
addition to complying with the requirements
Section 1910.111(e) — Systems of this section, shall also comply with the
Utilizing Portable DOT Containers requirements of DOT.
1910.111(e)(1) — Conformance. Cylinders shall 1910.111(f)(2) — Design Pressure and
comply with DOT specifications and shall be Construction of Containers
maintained, filled, packaged, marked, labeled, and
shipped to comply with 49 CFR Chapter I and (i) — The minimum design pressure for containers
Marking Portable Compressed Gas Containers to shall be that specified in the regulations of the DOT.
Identify the Material Contained, ANSI Z48.1-1954
(R1970), which is incorporated by reference as (ii) — The shell or head thickness of any container
specified in Sec. 1910.6. shall not be less than three-sixteenth inch.

1910.111(e)(2) — Storage. Cylinders shall be stored (iii) — All container openings, except safety-relief
in an area free from ignitable debris and in such valves, liquid-level gaging devices, and pressure
manner as to prevent external corrosion. Storage may gages, shall be labeled to designate whether they
be indoors or outdoors. communicate with liquid or vapor space.

1910.111(e)(3) — Heat Protection. Cylinders filled 1910.111(f)(3) — Container Appurtenances

in accordance with DOT regulations will become
(i) — All appurtenances shall be protected against
liquid full at 145 deg. F. Cylinders shall be protected
physical damage.
from heat sources such as radiant flame and
steampipes. Heat shall not be applied directly to (ii) — All connections to containers, except filling
cylinders to raise the pressure. connections, safety-relief devices, and liquid-level
and pressure gage connections, shall be provided with
1910.111(e)(4) — Protection. Cylinders shall be
suitable automatic excess flow valves, or in lieu
stored in such manner as to protect them from
thereof, may be fitted with quick-closing internal
moving vehicles or external damage.
valves, which shall remain closed except during
1910.111(e)(5) — Valve Cap. Any cylinder which is delivery operations. The control mechanism for such
designed to have a valve protection cap shall have the valves may be provided with a secondary control
cap securely in place when the cylinder is not in remote from the delivery connections and such
service. control mechanism shall be provided with a fusible
section (melting point 208 deg. F. to 220 deg. F.)
Section 1910.111(f) — Tank Motor which will permit the internal valve to close
Vehicles for the Transportation of automatically in case of fire.
Ammonia (iii) — Filling connections shall be provided with
automatic back-pressure check valves, excess-flow
1910.111(f)(1) — This paragraph applies to
valves, or quick-closing internal valves, to prevent
containers and pertinent equipment mounted on tank
back-flow in case the filling connection is broken.
motor vehicles including semitrailers and full trailers
Where the filling and discharge connect to a common
used for the transportation of ammonia. This
opening in the container shell and that opening is
paragraph does not apply to farm vehicles. For
Storage and Handling of Anhydrous Ammonia — OSHA Standard 1910.111 14

fitted with a quick-closing internal valve as above a predetermined point. Pump

specified in paragraph (ii) of this section, discharge shall also be equipped with a
the automatic valve shall not be required. spring-loaded safety-relief valve set at a
pressure not more than 135 percent of the
(iv) — All containers shall be equipped for spray
setting of the bypass valve or more than
loading (filling in the vapor space) or with an
approved vapor return valve of adequate capacity. 400 p.s.i.g., whichever is larger.

1910.111(f)(4) — Piping and Fittings (iii) — Compressors shall be equipped with manually
operated shutoff valves on both suction and discharge
(i) — All piping, tubing, and fittings shall be securely connections. Pressure gages of bourdon-tube type
mounted and protected against damage. Means shall shall be installed on the suction and discharge of the
be provided to protect hoses while the vehicle is in compressor before the shutoff valves. The
motion. compressor shall not be operated if either pressure
gage is removed or is inoperative. A spring-loaded,
(ii) — Fittings shall comply with 1910.111(b)(6). safety-relief valve capable of discharging to
Pipe shall be Schedule 80. atmosphere the full flow of gas from the compressor
at a pressure not exceeding 300 p.s.i.g. shall be
1910.111(f)(5) — Safety-Relief Devices
connected between the compressor discharge and the
(i) — The discharge from safety-relief valves shall be discharge shutoff valve.
vented away from the container upward and
(iv) — Valve functions shall be clearly and legibly
unobstructed to the open air in such a manner as to
identified by metal tags or nameplates permanently
prevent any impingement of escaping gas upon the
affixed to each valve.
container; loose-fitting rain caps shall be used. Size
of discharge lines from safety valves shall not be 1910.111(f)(7) — [Reserved]
smaller than the nominal size of the safety-relief
valve outlet connection. Suitable provision shall be (i) — All full trailers shall be firmly and securely
made for draining condensate which may accumulate attached to the vehicle drawing them by means of
in the discharge pipe. suitable drawbars supplemented by a safety chain (or
chains) or safety cables.
(ii) — Any portion of liquid ammonia piping which at
any time may be closed at both ends shall be provided (ii) — Every full trailer or semitrailer shall have a
with a hydrostatic relief valve. reliable system of brakes, and adequate provision
shall be made to operate the brakes from the driver's
1910.111(f)(6) — Transfer of Liquids seat.
(i) — The content of tank motor vehicle containers (iii) — Every full trailer shall be equipped with
shall be determined by weight, by a suitable self-energizing brakes.
liquid-level gaging device, or other approved
methods. If the content of a container is to be (iv) — Full trailers shall be so designed that the towed
determined by liquid-level measurement, the vehicle will follow substantially in the path of the
container shall have a thermometer well so that the towing vehicle and will not whip or swerve
internal liquid temperature can be easily determined. dangerously from side to side.
This volume when converted to weight shall not
exceed the filling density specified by the DOT. (v) — Where a fifth wheel is employed, it shall be
ruggedly designed, securely fastened to both units,
(ii) — Any pump, except a constant speed centrifugal and equipped with a positive locking mechanism
pump, shall be equipped with a suitable which will prevent separation of the two units except
pressure-actuated bypass valve permitting flow from by manual release.
discharge to suction when the discharge pressure rises
Storage and Handling of Anhydrous Ammonia — OSHA Standard 1910.111 15

1910.111(f)(8) — [Reserved] (iii) — When containers are mounted on four-wheel

trailers, care shall be taken to insure that the weight is
1910.111(f)(9) — Chock Blocks. At least two chock distributed evenly over both axles.
blocks shall be provided. These blocks shall be
placed to prevent rolling of the vehicle whenever it is (iv) — When the cradle and the tank are not welded
parked during loading and unloading operations. together suitable material shall be used between them
to eliminate metal-to-metal friction.
1910.111(f)(10) — Portable Tank Containers (Skid
Tanks). Where portable tank containers are used for 1910.111(g)(4) — Container Appurtenances
farm storage they shall comply with Section
1910.111(c)(1). When portable tank containers are (i) — All containers shall be equipped with a fixed
used in lieu of cargo tanks and are permanently liquid-level gage.
mounted on tank motor vehicles for the transportation
(ii) — All containers with a capacity exceeding 250
of ammonia, they shall comply with the requirements
gallons shall be equipped with a pressure gage having
of this paragraph.
a dial graduated from 0-400 p.s.i.
Section 1910.111(g) — Systems (iii) — The filling connection shall be fitted with
Mounted on Farm Vehicles Other combination back-pressure check valve and
Than for the Application of excess-flow valve; one double or two single
Ammonia back-pressure check valves; or a positive shutoff
valve in conjunction with either an internal
1910.111(g)(1) — Application. This paragraph back-pressure check valve or an internal excess flow
applies to containers of 1,200 gallons capacity or less valve.
and pertinent equipment mounted on farm vehicles
(implements of husbandry) and used other than for (iv) — All containers with a capacity exceeding 250
the application of ammonia to the soil. Section gallons shall be equipped for spray loading or with an
1910.111 (b) also applies here unless otherwise noted. approved vapor return valve.

1910.111(g)(2) — Design Pressure and (v) — All vapor and liquid connections except
Classification of Containers safety-relief valves and those specifically exempted
by section 1910.111(b)(6)(v) shall be equipped with
(i) — The minimum design pressure for containers approved excess-flow valves or may be fitted with
shall be 250 p.s.i.g. quick-closing internal valves which, except during
operating periods, shall remain closed.
(ii) — The shell or head thickness of any container
shall be not less than three-sixteenths of an inch. (vi) — Fittings shall be adequately protected from
damage by a metal box or cylinder with open top
1910.111(g)(3) — Mounting Containers
securely fastened to the container or by rigid guards,
(i) — A suitable "stop" or "stops" shall be mounted on well braced, welded to the container on both sides of
the vehicle or on the container in such a way that the the fittings or by a metal dome. If a metal dome is
container shall not be dislodged from its mounting used, the relief valve shall be properly vented through
due to the vehicle coming to a sudden stop. Back the dome.
slippage shall also be prevented by proper methods.
(vii) — If a liquid withdrawal line is installed in the
(ii) — A suitable "hold down" device shall be bottom of a container, the connections thereto,
provided which will anchor the container to the including hose, shall not be lower than the lowest
vehicle at one or more places on each side of the horizontal edge of the vehicle axle.
container.
(viii) — Provision shall be made to secure both ends
of the hose while in transit.
Storage and Handling of Anhydrous Ammonia — OSHA Standard 1910.111 16

1910.111(g)(5) — Marking the Container. There (ii) — The filling connection shall be fitted with a
shall appear on each side and on the rear end of the combination back-pressure check valve and an
container in letters at least 4 inches high, the words, excess-flow valve; one double or two single
"Caution - Ammonia" or the container shall be back-pressure check valves: or a positive shutoff
marked in accordance with DOT regulations. valve in conjunction with an internal back-pressure
check valve or an internal excess-flow valve.
1910.111(g)(6) — Farm Vehicles
(iii) — The applicator tank may be filled by venting to
(i) — Farm vehicles shall conform with State open air provided the bleeder valve orifice does not
regulations. exceed seven-sixteenths inch in diameter.
(ii) — All trailers shall be securely attached to the (iv) — Regulation equipment may be connected
vehicle drawing them by means of drawbars directly to the tank coupling or flange, in which case
supplemented by suitable safety chains. a flexible connection shall be used between such
regulating equipment and the remainder of the liquid
(iii) — A trailer shall be constructed so that it will
withdrawal system. Regulating equipment not so
follow substantially in the path of the towing vehicle
installed shall be flexibly connected to the container
and will not whip or swerve dangerously from side to
shutoff valve.
side.
(v) — No excess flow valve is required in the liquid
(iv) — All vehicles shall carry a can containing 5
withdrawal line provided the controlling orifice
gallons or more of water.
between the contents of the container and the outlet
Section 1910.111(h) — Systems of the shutoff valve does not exceed seven-sixteenths
Mounted on Farm Vehicles for the inch in diameter.
Application of Ammonia References
1910.111(h)(1) — This paragraph applies to systems Bureau of Labor Statistics. 2005(a). "Workplace
utilizing containers of 250 gallons capacity or less Injuries and Illnesses in 2005." Washington, D.C.:
which are mounted on farm vehicles (implement of United States Department of Labor. News, October
husbandry) and used for the application of ammonia 19, 2006. USDL 06-1816.
to the soil. Section 1910.111(b) applies to this section
also unless otherwise noted. Where larger containers Bureau of Labor Statistics. 2005(b). "Census of
are used, they shall comply with Section 1910.111(g). Fatal Occupational Injuries Summary, 2005."
Washington, D.C.: United States Department of
1910.111(h)(2) — Design Pressure and Labor. News, August 10, 2006. USDL 06-1364.
Classification of Containers
Hodges, Alan W., Mohammad Rahmani, and W.
(i) — The minimum design pressure for containers David Mulkey. 2006. Economic Impacts of
shall be 250 p.s.i.g. Agricultural, Food, and Natural Resources Industries
in Florida in 2004. Gainesville, Florida: Florida
(ii) — The shell or head thickness of any container
Cooperative Extension Service. IFAS Publication
shall not be less than three-sixteenths inch.
FE680.
1910.111(h)(3) — Mounting of Containers. All
Liller, Karen D., V. Noland and Carol J. Lehtola.
containers and flow-control devices shall be securely
2000. "An Analysis of Injury Deaths on Florida
mounted.
Farms for Years 1989 Through 1998." Journal of
1910.111(h)(4) — Container Valves and Accessories Agricultural Safety and Health 6 (2): 131–140.

(i) — Each container shall have a fixed liquid-level

gage.
Storage and Handling of Anhydrous Ammonia — OSHA Standard 1910.111 17

Table 1. (Table H-36). Minimum required rate of discharge in cubic feet per minute of air at 120 percent of the maximum
permitted start to discharge pressure of safety relief valves

Surface area (sq. Flow rate Surface area (sq. Flow rate Surface area (sq. Flow rate
ft.) CFM air ft.) CFM air ft.) CFM air
20 258 185 1,600 900 5,850
25 310 190 1,640 950 6,120
30 360 195 1,670 1,000 6,380
35 408 200 1,710 1,050 6,640
40 455 210 1,780 1,100 6,900
45 501 220 1,850 1,150 7,160
50 547 230 1,920 1,200 7,410
55 591 240 1,980 1,250 7,660
60 635 250 2,050 1,300 7,910
65 678 260 2,120 1,350 8,160
70 720 270 2,180 1,400 8,410
75 762 280 2,250 1,450 8,650
80 804 290 2,320 1,500 8,900
85 845 300 2,380 1,550 9,140
90 885 310 2,450 1,600 9,380
95 925 320 2,510 1,650 9,620
100 965 330 2,570 1,700 9,860
105 1,010 340 2,640 1,750 10,090
110 1,050 350 2,700 1,800 10,330
115 1,090 360 2,760 1,850 10,560
120 1,120 370 2,830 1,900 10,800
125 1,160 380 2,890 1,950 11,030
130 1,200 390 2,950 2,000 11,260
135 1,240 400 3,010 2,050 11,490
140 1,280 450 3,320 2,100 11,720
145 1,310 500 3,620 2,150 11,950
150 1,350 550 3,910 2,200 12,180
155 1,390 600 4,200 2,250 12,400
160 1,420 650 4,480 2,300 12,630
165 1,460 700 4,760 2,350 12,850
170 1,500 750 5,040 2,400 13,080
175 1,530 800 5,300 2,450 13,300
180 1,570 850 5,590 2,500 13,520
Surface Area = total outside surface area of container in square feet. When the surface area is not stamped on the nameplate or
when the marking is not legible the area can be calculated by using one of the following formulas:
(1) -- Cylindrical container with hemispherical heads: Area = (overall length in feet) times (outside diameter in feet) times 3.1416.
(2) -- Cylindrical container with other than hemispherical heads: Area = (overall length in feet plus 0.3 outside diameter in feet)
times (outside diameter in feet) times 3.1416.
(3) -- Spherical container: Area = (outside diameter in feet) squared times 3.1416. Rate - CFM Air = cubic feet per minute of air
required at standard conditions, 60 deg. F. and atmospheric pressure (14.7 p.s.i.a.).
The rate of discharge may be interpolated for intermediate values of surface area. For containers with total outside surface area
greater than 2,500 square feet, the required flow rate can be calculated using the formula:
where A = outside surface area of the container in square feet.
0.82
Flow Rate CFM Air = 22.11 A
where A = outside surface area of the container in square feet.
Storage and Handling of Anhydrous Ammonia — OSHA Standard 1910.111 18

Table 2. Container safety-relief valves start-to-discharge

Containers Minimum Maximum

(percent) (percent)
ASME-U-68, U-69 110 125
ASME-U-200, U-201 95 100
ASME 1959, 1956, 1952, or 1962 95 100
API-ASME 95 100
U.S. Coast Guard 95 100

Table 3. Maximum filling densities for nonrefrigerated containers

Type of container Percent by Percent by

weight volume
Above-ground-Uninsulated 56 82
Above-ground-Uninsulated --- 87.5
Above-ground-Insulated 57 83.5
Underground-Uninsulated 58 85
DOT In accord with DOT regulations --- ---