Anhydrous Ammonia Tank Safety

American Welding & Tank Issues Statement Regarding Department of Transportation Action

American Welding & Tank (AWT) announced October 7, that it disputes a recent action brought by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regarding the manufacture of certain anhydrous ammonia tanks in early 2010.

AWT believes it has always followed and met all federal guidelines for the manufacture of anhydrous ammonia nurse tanks and has provided this information to the DOT. AWT is extremely disappointed at this arbitrary and unjustified action. The Company is not aware of even a single incidence of injury or property damage from a pinhole defect in any anhydrous ammonia tank manufactured by AWT.

AWT, North America’s leading provider of anhydrous ammonia storage tanks, has successfully passed recent regulatory reviews. In March 2011, the DOT concluded a routine inspection that did not require the Company to take a single corrective action. This inspection was followed by the Company’s annual successful ASME examination in May 2011.

AWT has always worked, and will continue to work, with customers to minimize any safety risk related to using and maintaining anhydrous ammonia storage tanks and to quickly and effectively respond to any issues. Because of the corrosive nature of anhydrous ammonia and general wear and tear on equipment, customers should regularly inspect tanks and related equipment for any sign of damage, wear, or leak.

AWT repairs weld issues at no cost to customers for AWT tanks manufactured within the last three years, in accordance with our warranty policy, the longest in the industry. Customers with questions about their tanks can contact their normal AWT representative.

FMCSA Issues Fines Against American Welding & Tank, LLC

The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced October 7, 2011, that  $3,876,000 in fines were issued against American Welding & Tank, LLC (AWT) of Fremont, Ohio for violating federal hazardous materials safety standards.  For more information on federal safety regulations for cargo tank manufacturers, as well as truck and bus companies transporting hazardous materials, visit the agency’s website at www.fmcsa.dot.gov.

Safety

Safety is the primary concern of all and with the fall fertilizer application season fast approaching, it is important for farmers to take the time to inspect their tanks and report any leaks to their local provider.

The following statement was issued by AWT on October 11, regarding the steps farmers should take to insure the safety of their tanks.

American Welding & Tank, LLC Statement Regarding Inspection of Anhydrous Ammonia Tanks

For customers who may be concerned that you are using tanks referenced in the recent Department of Transportation claim against American Welding & Tank, the only customer action necessary is to continue to observe the industry best practice of regular self-inspection of anhydrous ammonia nurse tanks and equipment. 

At American Welding & Tank, we have always worked, and will continue to work, with customers to minimize any safety risk using and maintaining anhydrous ammonia storage tanks and to quickly and effectively respond to any issues.  Because of the corrosive nature of anhydrous ammonia and general wear and tear on equipment, customers should regularly inspect tanks and related equipment for any sign of damage, wear, or leak.

American Welding & Tank recommends that our customers continue to observe industry best practices by following this protocol to ensure leaks or other maintenance issues with the anhydrous ammonia application equipment are immediately detected and treated:

• Make sure tanks are properly secured at all times, including during transport. 
• Inspect tanks routinely, before and after use, for signs of a leak or any other damage.
• If there is a pinhole weld leak, users will notice a bright red rust ring on the weld seam.  If you notice a bright red rust ring at the weld seam, please follow the instructions below.
• If there is a leak, users may notice a foggy discharge. If you see a foggy discharge, please follow the instructions below.
• Anhydrous ammonia has a sharp, irritating, pungent odor that acts as a warning of potentially dangerous exposure. Leaks should be easily detected. If you notice this odor, please follow the instructions below.
• Because anhydrous ammonia is stored under pressure, ice often forms at or around the area of the leak. If you notice a small patch of ice on the outside of your tank, please follow the instructions below.
• If you notice any of these indications of a leak, step away from the tank, follow any safety instructions established by your organization, and contact your equipment supplier who will contact the manufacturer of the tank or equipment.  You may also contact American Welding & Tank directly at 419-333-5202 if it is an AWT tank.
• Customers should not attempt to repair leaks themselves because weld repairs must be completed by an authorized repair facility. American Welding & Tank will repair weld issues at no cost to the customer for AWT tanks manufactured within the last three years, in accordance with our extended warranty policy.
• Tanks designed and manufactured to store anhydrous ammonia are clearly labeled on the data plate as “Type NH3”. Customers should not use tanks designed for other purposes to store anhydrous ammonia. Any customer doing so should immediately contact their equipment dealer to arrange for the appropriate tank.

 American Welding & Tank is not aware of any incidents of serious injury sustained through a pinhole leak of anhydrous ammonia involving one of the company’s tanks.  Additionally, the company is unaware of any instance in which pinhole leaks led to a rupture or larger release of anhydrous ammonia.  However, other types of leaks can occur due to the corrosive nature of anhydrous ammonia and wear on equipment.  Any leak should be taken seriously.

American Welding & Tank is proud of the excellent safety record of its anhydrous ammonia tanks and wants to ensure years of continued safe use of its products.  Customers with questions about these and other American Welding & Tank products should contact 419-333-5202.