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Country-specific legal regulations apply to the storage of fertilisers containing ammonium nitrate. In addition, manufacturers and industry associations issue guidelines and best practice recommendations for safe storage. Adhering to these requirements ensures product quality and to mitigate potential risks to human health and safety, as well as to the environment. This includes preventing adverse impacts such as contamination of groundwater and surface water.
Fertilisers are categorised into distinct groups based on the proportion of ammonium nitrate (AN) and the composition of other constituents. These classifications determine their regulatory status, including their designation under transport regulations (ADR), as well as applicable requirements for storage, handling, and personal protective measures. Details can be found in the safety data sheets and on www.lat-nitrogen.com. The compound fertilisers supplied by LAT Nitrogen are, in general, classified as not capable of self-sustaining thermal decomposition.
Avoid heat sources, storage temperatures above 32 °C and, where possible, temperature fluctuations. Use a ventilation system and maintain sufficient distance between the fertiliser and the roof.
Work according to the “First In – First Out” (FIFO) principle and keep up‑to‑date stock records.
When storing in bulk, keep AN‑based fertilisers (e.g. CAN, NPK, etc.) separate from Urea.
Fertilisers should always be stored in a clean, dry environment. Where flooring is not adequately protected against moisture ingress, LAT Nitrogen recommends the use of zeolite-based moisture absorbers (e.g. Terraperl or Lithosoil 300) as a bedding layer. An application rate of approximately 1–2 kg per m² is recommended.
Prevent water ingress caused by leaking roofs, open doors or permeable floors. Where necessary, store fertiliser bags on pallets to reduce contact with moisture.
Fertilisers should preferably be stored in fully enclosed buildings. If this is not possible, a canopy roof should be used, and the goods must be protected from direct and indirect sunlight, including sunlight entering through windows.
When fertilisers are stored outdoors, bags must never be exposed to direct sunlight. Select a well-ventilated, shaded area for storage. If shading is not available, cover the bags with a light-coloured sheet, ensuring it does not rest directly on the bags. Placing a layer of pallets between the bags and the covering sheet helps maintain adequate ventilation and protection.
Plexiglass and similar materials do not provide adequate protection against direct sunlight.
Cover bulk storage with an incombustible plastic covering or tarpaulin and avoid contamination with other materials.
Avoid the risk of spillage by not overloading. Keep aisles and pathways clean and cleared. If spillage occurs, clean up immediately. Do not drive across spilled product.
It is recommended to store big bags always overlapping in pyramid form with a maximum of two layers. There has to be an additional single layer row at the front side. Remove the big bags from the top to the bottom. During the full process of loading or unloading keep the pyramid form of the stack at all time.
When handling fertilisers, take care not to damage the goods. In case of damage, do not approach the big bags from the direction of the possible downfall, as they may get unstable and fall over, crushing people standing next to it.
Allow for a safety distance to walking areas.
Do not allow pallets or big bags to tilt or be stacked on an incline.
Pallets should be stacked directly on each other to a maximum of two layers, with the front line only in one layer (similar principle to big bag storage).
Fertilisers stored in steep heaps should be removed from top to bottom to minimize the risk of large amounts falling down suddenly. When working at heaps always pay attention to this risk.
Wherever possible, fertiliser should be stored at least 10 meters from a water course or field drain and far away (e.g. 50 metres) from a borehole, well, etc. to avoid contamination of groundwater and surface water.
Fertilisers containing nitrate are particularly toxic for ruminants.
Never smoke, consume food or beverages where fertilisers are stored.
Fertilisers must be stored separately from:
Vehicles should not be parked in the storage areas unless being loaded or unloaded. They have to be free from oil or fuel leaks.
Always use lifting forks with rounded edges in order to avoid damage to the lifting straps of the big bags.
Put big bags or pallets always on flat ground and avoid friction of big bags with the ground during transport. Be careful when filling up the fertiliser dispenser.
When handling fertilisers, do not allow anyone to stand in the area of lifting/transportation or beneath a raised big bag.
When handling fertilisers, take care not to damage the goods and avoid swinging of the big bag to ensure the overall stability of the machine.
Wearing a high visibility vest can reduce the risk of being hit by any machine or vehicle. Big bags should be cut open at the bottom with a long-handled knife.
Always stand on the side of the big bag to avoid risk of being crushed.
Empty big bags are not reusable and have to be returned to an approved recycling contractor. The recycling logos on such big bags indicate that LAT Nitrogen contributes to environmental protection.
Chemical reaction can lead to decomposition of fertilisers with toxic fumes (nitrogen oxide, ammonia) in case of external heat (hotspot, fire…), in particular with fertilisers containing nitrogen.
Fertilisers with AN (>28% nitrogen) when stored correctly are safe, however they can detonate if several extreme conditions are present simultaneously like:
For further details read health and safety information provided in the product safety datasheet (www.lat-nitrogen.com).
Avoid dust formation and contact with skin, eyes and clothing. Check and clean the PPE (personal protective equipment) regularly to keep up its preventive condition.
Post an up-to-date map of storage facilities and an emergency evacuation plan in an easily accessible place and inform staff of emergency procedures.
In the event of fire (of combustible material) or emission of fumes (from fertilisers):
1. Call fire brigade 112 (European emergency number): specify the location and the type of fertilisers
2. Do not inhale the fumes
3. Evacuate the area
4. Evacuate other people without endangering yourself
5. Secure the installation (e.g. disconnect the power)
For firefighting use large amounts of water, do not use chemical extinguishers, foam, steam or sand on fertilisers based on AN, because they are decomposing.
The following points are specific for fertilisers containing at least 16 % of nitrogen in relation to AN (i.e. at least 8 % of nitric nitrogen & 8 % of ammoniacal nitrogen)
Protect fertiliser storage facilities from unauthorized access to minimize the risk of theft (locked premises) and maintain an up-to-date inventory to be able to determine quickly whether theft has occurred.
Do not leave or store big bags with fertilisers on the roadside, in the field or other areas available to public. Report immediately any stock discrepancy or loss to the police. You also need to contact the relevant national contact point for fertiliser theft.
Neither give free nor sell product except to professional user. Keep all accompanying documents (delivery notes, invoice, batch traceability).
