SAFE stepping off the riser.” More than 700 people have completed the training since January 2014. “That accounts for about 80 percent of CHS employees who handle anhydrous ammonia,” Mueller says. Starting this fall, nearly 300 truck drivers who handle and haul anhydrous ammonia for CHS Transportation will attend the training. “Our drivers already have hazardous material endorsements. We currently have good anhydrous training, but since our drivers sometimes need to be involved in loading it, it’s important that they have the best training we can provide,” says Ray Guest, CHS Transportation safety and compliance manager. A key aspect of the new CHS program is a certifi cation process, says Mutschler. “Employees take a 100-question test and an onsite skills assessment to demonstrate they understand what they’ve learned. Both are administered by a third party, which gives the program credibility. We want it to be accepted throughout the industry.” To maintain certifi cation, employees will need to attend a half-day refresher course after three years and go through another two-day training program after fi ve years, says Mueller. Fall Anhydrous Ammonia Prep Checklist see the cooperative facilities and become more familiar with them, which could save precious time if they were called there for an emergency.” Another important part of the training involves what needs to happen if an anhydrous ammonia release poses danger for the nearby community. “We supply co-ops with brochures they can distribute in the community to explain how people should respond,” she says. “Often, the best thing to do is to shelter in place, stay inside with closed doors and windows, and turn off all ventilation systems.” These simple steps could help you avoid an anhydrous ammonia accident this fall or be better prepared to deal with one. T Check hoses and replace those that are bulging, cracked or separating from couplings. T Inspect coupling devices to ensure they work properly. T Check application equipment connections for wear. T Don’t exceed 30 mph when towing a full nurse tank. T Know wind direction and stand upwind when transferring product. T Carry plenty of fresh water — at least 5 gallons on each nurse tank, plus water in the tractor cab. T Wear protective equipment, including goggles, rubber gloves, long sleeves and pants. A respirator is also recommended. Reaching Out to Communities The training has caused a ripple eff ect at some cooperatives, where safety compliance staff are hosting anhydrous safety training for fi re departments, fi rst responders and farmers. “That’s something we wholeheartedly support,” says Blel, who is also a fi rst responder in her home community of River Falls, Wis. “They not only learn a lot about how to react to an ammonia release, but it gives local fi refi ghters a chance to Safety in the Field The number of reported anhydrous ammonia releases has stayed about the same over the past decade, says Ed Kaiser, anhydrous ammonia program consultant with the Minnesota Department of > Firefi ghters practice approaching an anhydrous ammonia release using the “wall of water” technique, which envelopes and temporarily contains a leak. Your CHS Connection 21