Safe Fertiliser Use on farm

Fluid Fertiliser Storage
Code Of Practice

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

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

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.

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.