Section 215.115  Systems Mounted on Equipment for the Application of Anhydrous Ammonia

a)         This Section applies to systems mounted on farm equipment and used for the field application of ammonia.  Section 215.25 applies to this Section unless otherwise noted.

b)         The shell or head thickness of any container shall not be less than ³/₁₆ of an inch.

c)         All containers shall be securely mounted.  Applicators must be secured with hold-down devices the same way as systems mounted on farm wagons transporting anhydrous ammonia.

d)         Fixed maximum liquid level gauges shall be used that are designed to indicate when the container has been filled to 85% of its water capacity.  The dip tube of this gauge shall be installed in such a manner that it cannot be readily removed.

e)         The filling connection of each container shall comply with the requirements of Section 215.40(k).

f)         An excess-flow valve is not required in the vapor connection, provided the controlling orifice is not in excess of ⁵/₁₆ inch in diameter and the valve is a hand-operated (attached hand wheel or equivalent) shutoff valve.  To assist in filling applicator tanks, it is permissible to bleed vapors to the open air, provided the preceding requirements are met.

g)         Applicators shall be filled at least 100 yards from any occupied building not on an approved site.

h)         Metering devices may be connected directly to the tank withdrawal valve.  A union-type connection is permissible between the tank valve and the metering device.  Remote mounting of metering devices is permissible using hoses that meet specifications.

i)          When the applicator or nurse tank is trailed and the metering device is remotely mounted, such as on the tractor tool bar, an automatic break-away, self-closing coupling device shall be used.  The coupling device shall be made from or coated with a corrosion resistant material.  The coupling device shall be mounted in a manner that will permit the device to swivel freely.  A coupling device shall be maintained.  An angle valve shall not be used as a hose end valve connecting to the coupling device.

j)          No excess-flow valve is required in the liquid withdrawal line provided the controlling orifice between the contents of the container and the outlet of the shutoff valve (see Section 215.40(c)) does not exceed ⁵/₁₆ in diameter.

k)         Any control valve installed between the regulator and the break-away coupling device shall indicate whether the valve is open or closed.

l)          Where a ball valve is used to control flow to the metering device, the ball shall be drilled with an opening smaller than No. 54 (0.055 inches) drill size on the downstream side to prevent trapping ammonia in the ball when in the closed position.

m)        Each person operating, repairing, or inspecting an applicator shall wear protective gloves impervious to ammonia and chemical splash goggles.  A full face shield may be worn over the goggles; however, a face shield shall not be worn as a substitute for a primary eye protection device (goggles).

n)         Each applicator tank shall be equipped with the following safety equipment and features:  for first aid purposes, at least 5 gallons of clean water in a container designed to provide ready access to the water for flushing any area of the body contacted by ammonia and a legible decal depicting step-by-step ammonia transfer instructions.

o)         Instructions for connecting and disconnecting the coupling device shall be displayed in a manner as to be readily visible near the break-away coupling device.

(Source:  Amended at 44 Ill. Reg. 18281, effective October 29, 2020)