Fertilizer Canada created the Anhydrous Ammonia Code of Practice (Ammonia Code) to provide uniform safety and security practices for the handling and storage of anhydrous ammonia at ag-retail facilities in Canada. The Ammonia Code outlines best practices applicable to the transportation, distribution, storage, and handling of anhydrous ammonia associated with these facilities. The Ammonia Code was written by fertilizer manufacturers, distributors and ag- retailers, with input from government agencies, and the first responder community.
The intent of the Ammonia Code is to assist operators of anhydrous ammonia storage and handling operations to assess their risk and take action to mitigate those risks and to protect employees and workers. It is imperative that proper precautions are taken to ensure that agricultural anhydrous ammonia is handled and stored correctly. While municipal, provincial and federal regulatory requirements, safety programs and training have greatly reduced incidents involving anhydrous ammonia, implementation of the standards, training and controls of this Code will further reduce the risks of accidental ammonia releases.
The Ammonia Code originally came into force in 2009 and was updated in 2012, 2017, 2022, and 2027. It is the first industry-led program of this magnitude for the safe and secure handling of anhydrous ammonia.
To ensure uniform safety and security practices in ag-retail sector, Fertilizer of Canada members have unilaterally committed to only ship anhydrous ammonia to retailers who are certified for compliance with the Ammonia Code.
The Ammonia Code cites existing regulations where they have been identified, however, the Ammonia Code is not intended as a comprehensive compilation of regulatory requirements applicable to anhydrous ammonia operations. The Owner / Operator of each anhydrous ammonia operation is individually responsible for compliance with regulatory requirements.
Many Protocols in the Ammonia Code reference a best practice. Best practices are benchmarks based on industry expertise, experience and practice. When benchmarks are listed in the code, they are provided as a reference to assist ag- retailers improve their operations. Best practice compliance is not assessed, nor scored, as part of the audit process.