Best Practices
Tank Inspections
Before use, every storage tank should be inspected to ensure it can properly protect your products. Storage tanks should be tamper-proof with no signs of corrosion and proper sealing. The design of the storage tank must take into account the type of product being stored in it, whether liquid or powder, ensuring that it is fit for the intended purpose. As a rule of thumb, a regular maintenance check should be performed each season for storage tanks, with maintenance records being kept up-to-date.
Protect from the Elements: Winter Storage
Regardless of the storage unit, product is easily susceptible to reacting to the environment. Once a product freezes and thaws, it can make it harder to use without damaging your equipment. To protect your product, it should be stored in a cool, dry place and kept away from humidity. If it is stored indoors, keep the product containers away from walls, eaves, or areas that are prone to leaking.
Verify compatibility
Just as a product should avoid contact with water in the case of contamination, understanding the chemical composition of your product can make a difference in where it is stored. Are the elements in the product stable compounds or do they react when in contact with another chemical? Explosive elements or acids, including sulphuric acid, potassium chloride, and ammonium sulphates should be stored safely away from each other. Fertilizers containing nitrogen are more likely to react as a result of decomposition if exposed to high temperatures. Additionally, all fertilizer and products must be stored in a separate space from fuel sources, organic materials, and conditions that could result in combustion.
Proper Stacking
To avoid contact with water and flooring, packed fertilizer or product is recommended to be stacked with pallets, keeping the pile no taller than 3 pallets high. In the case of bulk or bagged products, stable piles shaped like a pyramid are recommended. Some products can react differently to sunlight or water, so we recommend tarping piles exposed to the elements to protect the bags and consider shaded areas. If stored indoors, ensure proper ventilation between the product pile and the roof.
Use of PPE
Dust particles, liquid spills, and leaking storage containers should not be ignored as they can become eye irritants or result in burns. When handling fertilizer or product, we recommend the use of gloves, dust masks, or glasses to prevent skin and eye contact. Wash your hands before and after handling. If you are working on an active farm site and see a spilled product, report the spill immediately and take the appropriate action to clean up the product and sanitize the area to ensure there is no contamination of water sources. In the event of an emergency or direct contact with a corrosive substance, contact 911 and seek out medical assistance.