CHECKLIST FOR FARM STORAGE OF LIQUID FERTILIZERS
The purpose of this checklist is to allow you to objectively look at your operation and determine areas that may need improvement to protect the environment and the health and safety of you and your employees.
STORAGE SITE
o
Do all storage areas greater than 5,000 litres have secondary containment? (Note:
secondary containment is not practical if product is in transit or for immediate use.)o
Is the storage site located in an area that would prohibit run-off into streams,
ditches or well heads should a spill occur?o
Are all tanks located inside a properly dyked area?o
Are secondary containment areas visually inspected daily for any product escaping
from storage tank?o
Are weekly documented inspections completed on secondary containment areas? See sample recording chart (pdf)o
Are annual documented inspections conducted on the secondary containment area to
ensure there are no cracks, punctures, or other damage/wear that may cause the secondary containment to leak?o
Is the containment volume of the dyke adequate (110 - 125% of volume) to hold the
volume of the largest single tank within the containment area - taking into consideration the displacement volume of all tanks
within the area?o
Is the secondary containment area constructed of proper materials - taking into
consideration the type of subsoil?STORAGE TANKS
o
Are all liquid storage tanks (permanent or mobile) constructed of approved
materials?o
Are your liquid storage tanks at an age where they should be replaced?o
Are all fittings, gaskets, hoses and valves constructed of approved
materials?o
Are daily visual inspections made on all storage facilities and equipment?o
Are weekly documented inspections completed on all tanks? See sample recording chart (pdf)o
Are all product storage tanks labelled properly by content?o
Are valves on liquid tanks secured with locks?o
When using mobile tanks in the field, are they located in such a manner to prevent
run-off into streams, ditches or well heads?o
Are concrete silo type storage tanks inspected at least yearly by the contractor or
manufacturer to ensure bladders are positioned correctly with no leaks or weak spots present and that the steel rings
surrounding these silos are in good repair and properly secured?LOADING AREA
o
Does the loading area have a pad constructed of an impervious material (concrete,
asphalt) with a collection sump?o
Is all spraying and planting equipment washed on a pad where any contaminated rinse
water may be controlled and collected for reuse or disposal in a proper manner?SAFETY & SECURITY
o
Are all farm employees trained in the proper handling of liquid fertilizers?o
Are all farm employees trained in the use of protective clothing, eye protection and
other safety equipment?o
Is all appropriate safety equipment available to all farm employees?o
Do all farm employees use the appropriate protective gear when handling liquid
fertilizers?o
Do you have Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for required fertilizers used on your
farm?o
Do you have an emergency response plan in case of a major spill?o
Are your farm employees familiar with your emergency response plan?o
Is a copy of your emergency response plan easily assessable to employees in an
emergency situation?o
Do you have adequate insurance to cover environmental cleanup should a major spill
or leak occur?For further information on fertilizer storage contact your fertilizer supplier.
Stewardship of the environment is the responsibility of all who manufacture, transport, store and apply fertilizer & crop protection products.
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