Ammonia CoP
Since launching the Ammonia Code of Practice, the Fertilizer Safety and Security Council (FSSC) has been working to ensure retailers know what the program means for them. Below are the answers to some of your top questions.
What is the Ammonia Code of Practice?
The Ammonia Code of Practice sets out best practices applicable to the manufacture, distribution, storage and handling of anhydrous ammonia. The code was drafted by members of the Fertilizer Safety and Security Council, including fertilizer manufacturers, distributors, and agri-retailers.
Why do we need a Code of practice?
Anhydrous ammonia is a highly effective fertilizer used by farmers across the country, but it can also be dangerous if it is not handled properly. The industry is facing increasing security and public-safety concerns as well as legal and regulatory pressures to demonstrate that the risks arising from the manufacture, distribution, storage, handling and use of ammonia are minimized. Many industries that face similar concerns over their products already have stewardship programs and codes of practice that are verified by third-party audits.
Why do we need audits?
Audits will assist retailers in reaching compliance by identifying deficiencies in a proactive manner, allowing for correction before there is a regulatory or safety concern. Audits provide credibility to the Ammonia Code of Practice. They are a tool to measure and report success, and are recognized by government agencies as an effective way to manage risk without regulation.
Who does the Code affect?
The Ammonia Code of Practice applies to Canadian agri-retail facilities that sell ammonia. This includes farmers who are also sellers.
What are the timelines for this program?
Voluntary training audits began in the fall of 2007 and ended Dec.31, 2008.
Jan. 1, 2009 – Dec. 31, 2010
The first two-year auditing cycle began on January 1, 2009. During the following two years all agri-retail facilities dealing in ammonia will be audited.
Jan. 1, 2011 onwards
On January 1, 2011, CFI’s no-ship policy will come into effect. Under this policy Canadian manufacturers and distributors will supply ammonia only to agri-retailers who have successfully completed an audit in the previous two years.
What happens if I don’t want to adhere to the Ammonia Code of Practice?
Agri-retail sites must be in compliance with the code by the end of 2010 in order to continue receiving ammonia from manufacturers and distributors. From a business perspective, it is a good idea to comply with the code. With increasing security and public safety concerns, legal and regulatory pressures, the industry is implementing the code to remain credible and competitive.
How can I prepare for an audit?
Auditors are available to provide voluntary or ‘training’ audits. It is important that retailers make arrangements with an auditor for a site visit as soon as possible.
Auditors currently providing services under the Agrichemical Warehousing Standards Association (AWSA) have been trained to provide ammonia code audits for a fee. If you are also operating a chemical warehouse, speak to your AWSA auditor as soon as possible to arrange your ammonia code audits. You may be able to arrange joint AWSA and ammonia code audits and reduce your costs.
In addition to this web site, a toll-free number (1 866 311 0444) is now available for further information regarding audits or any other aspects of the code.
The new 2012 edition of the Ammonia Code and Implementation Guide
New FSSC 2012 Ammonia Code Appendices
Summary of FSSC 2012 Ammonia Code changes
Frequently Asked Questions
List of Auditors for the Ammonia Standards Program
Security Requirements Bulletin February 2009
Exigences en Matiere de Securite Fev 2009
Public Notification of Requirements in the Code of Practice
Protocols A1.2 & G2.2 – Annual Contact with neighbours of facilities storing Anhydrous Ammonia
Clarification of NH3 Ag Retailers
Download the French Ammonia Code of Practice
Ammonia Code of Practice Appeals Process:
If you have any questions/comments please contact appeals@fssc.ca for more information