Safe Fertiliser Use

Fluid Fertiliser Storage
Code Of Practice

Farmers share a duty of care for siting, use and maintenance, even when fertiliser suppliers provide tanks.

Using tanks

• Ensure tanks, pipework and valves are fit for purpose, i.e. resistant to corrosion.
• Ensure all tank fittings are tamperproof. Lock all valves shut when not in use.
• Ensure delivery companies are aware of emergency procedures.
• Ensure tank, pipework and valves are in good condition before deliveries are made
• Check tank has sufficient capacity before delivery.
• Avoid overfilling.

Maintaining tanks

• Have tanks, pipework and valves inspected internally and externally, for damage and corrosion at least annually by a suitably qualified technician.
• Carry out any necessary remedial work immediately.
• Undertake additional checks at the start of the season and when
  deliveries are made to and from the tank¹. If in doubt do not use the tank or bowser.
• Drain down and flush through all pipework at the end of each season.
• Keep a maintenance record

Permanent storage

• Conduct an environmental risk assessment².
  Advice is available from the Environment Agency.
• Ensure liquid fertiliser storage tanks have appropriate secondary containment. Use of reinforced masonry or concrete is recommended and provision should be made for at least 110% of tank capacity. All pipes, valves and sight gauges should be within the containment area.
• Tanks must be on a solid, stable concrete base of footing to take the weight of the full storage tank and full bund.
• Consider additional stabilisation against high winds for GRP tanks.

Bowsers and mobile tanks

• Temporary storage can pose a significant hazard to watercourses. Thus suitable siting is crucial before filling or dispensing.
• Transport around the farm needs careful consideration.
  Roadways and tracks must be able to withstand fully laden bowsers passing over or being parked on them.
• Ensure bowsers and all fittings are fit for purpose and protected from corrosion.
• Ensure bowsers are set down on level, solid ground before delivery is made.
• Provide sufficient support beneath parking legs to carry loaded weight without it sinking into the ground or becoming unstable.
• Ensure all hatches and manholes form a watertight seal when closed.
• Do not move laden bowser unless all hatches, lids and valves are closed and locked.
• Open hatches slightly, when emptying bowsers, to avoid a vacuum which could cause the tank to crumple and collapse.
  
  
  
  (1) Instructions for inspecting condition of fluid fertiliser tanks (free) – Agricultural Industries Confederation 01733 385230 or from website: www.agindustries.org.uk.
  
  (2) Risk assessment guide on siting storage facilities (free) – Agricultural Industries Confederation 01733 385230 or from website: www.agindustries.org.uk.