WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) President & CEO Chris Jahn today stressed the importance of safety when handling fertilizers, both by retailers and by growers.
“Everyone is extremely eager to get field work started, especially after many folks were unable to apply in the fall and the spring prep period has been delayed by weather events and infrastructure failings,” said Jahn. “But it is crucial that everyone keeps safety in mind, remains patient and doesn’t rush.”
Earlier this week TFI sent out a reminder about safety guidelines and operating procedures to all its members and affiliated state associations. “It never hurts to be reminded about staying safe, especially when so many are trying to make up for time lost due to delays,” continued Jahn. “Over the years we and our partners have put together a number of safety resources and we thought now was a perfect opportunity to give people a refresher.”
April saw three anhydrous ammonia releases over the course of a few days. “Conclusions from accident investigations aren’t arrived at overnight, but additional attention to safe practices is always a good idea,” concluded Jahn. “We want to remind everyone, from our retailer members to their farming customers, to keep speed in mind when operating on public roads, to refresh themselves with all operating procedures and safety requirements and, again, to be patient.”
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The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) is the leading voice of the nation’s fertilizer industry. Tracing its roots back to 1883, TFI’s membership includes fertilizer producers, wholesalers, retailers and trading firms. TFI’s full-time staff, based in Washington, D.C., serves its members through legislative, educational, technical, economic information and public communication programs. Find more information about TFI online at TFI.org and follow us on Twitter at @Fertilizer_Inst. Learn more about TFI’s nutrient stewardship initiatives at nutrientstewardship.org and on Twitter at @4rnutrients.
