Anhydrous ammonia training underway online

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Mandatory anhydrous ammonia safety training is available online by the Illinois Department of Agriculture.

Illinois farmers and any of their employees or family members who help transport or apply anhydrous ammonia are required by state regulation to participate in the mandatory training by April 1, 2022.

Once completed, growers receive a certificated valid for three years to provide upon request to their anhydrous ammonia retailer. Refresher training will be held every three years.

Online training is available on the IDOA website and there is no cost. The link on IDOA’s home page — tinyurl.com/5y6vuh8b — directs visitors to a portal that includes step-by-step instructions for creating a user account and viewing the training.

Other useful information such as answers to frequently asked questions and a copy of the new state anhydrous ammonia regulations are also posted on the homepage.

The IDOA training module was developed in consultation with Illinois Farm Bureau, Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association, Illinois Corn Growers Association and the Illinois Soybean Association.

Training topics include the properties of ammonia, competence in safe operating practices, how to take appropriate actions in the even of a leak or emergency, personal protective equipment and first aid, and transportation safety.