Chemical Advisory: Safe Storage, Handling, and Management of Ammonium Nitrate

This advisory contains information on recent and past accidents involving AMMONIUM NITRATE (commonly referred to as AN), on the hazards of AN, how to manage these hazards, and appropriate steps for community emergency planning and proper emergency response. It is focused primarily on safe handling and storage of higher density, solid AN pellets and prills (a prill is a small bead) used in fertilizers.

This advisory is intended to broadly disseminate lessons learned from recent incidents involving AN so that such incidents can be prevented in the future. Also provided is a list of information resources, including relevant codes and standards, industry publications, and applicable statutes and regulations that will help facilities handling AN and first responders better understand the hazards so they can effectively manage the risks.