The Hazardous Properties of Ammonium Nitrate Fertilizers and the Regulations to which They are Subjected

Two EEC Directives which will affect the handling and storage of concentrated ammonium nitrate fertilizers are examined relative to the known properties of ammonium nitrate. The Ammonium Nitrate Directive (80/870) has little relevance to the conditions in which ammonium nitrate is stored. The Major Accident Hazards Directive (82/501/EEC) will make a significant contribution to safe storage. It does this in terms of insisting on demonstration of safe practice. Safe practice depends on adherence to Codes of Practice drawn up by manufacturers. Adherence to these codes is the main factor in safe storage and handling of ammonium nitrate fertilizers. An oxidising capacity test under consideration by a United Nations Group may ask qustions about the oxidisingstatus of some fertilizers not currently classified in U.N. Division 5.1.