It's not too late to register for the Fall IFCA and IL Dept of Ag competent attendant training courses for anhydrous ammonia.  Illinois law requires anyone who handles ammonia or works on ammonia equipment to be trained at least once every three years by attending an IDA approved training program.  The course schedule for the upcoming classes is:

 

September 19 at the Asmark Agricenter in Bloomington

September 20 at the Days Inn in Rock Falls

September 21 at the Best Western in Galesburg

September 22 at Poe's Catering in Springfield (295 E. Andrew Road)

September 23 at Unique Suites in Charleston

October 12 at the Asmark Agricenter in Bloomington

 

The course will cover the properties of ammonia, proper use of personal protective equipment, how to safely transfer the product, safe transportation on the road, emergency response and first aid.  The IDA inspectors will provide an overview of their facility inspection program and the areas of compliance that need attention.  This year, all attendees will receive a handout that summarizes the new requirements of the recently updated Illinois ammonia regulations and will have an opportunity to get your questions answered on the new rules.  The cost to attend is $65 and includes continental breakfast and lunch.  

 

On-line registration is no longer available, but you can download the registration form and more details about the classes by going to the IFCA website, click here and go to "Fall 2016 Ammonia Safety Schools."  Or you can call our office at 309.827.2774 to register.  The last course offering in October is meant to provide a last opportunity for training for those persons who are hired just prior to fall ammonia season, or for anyone who cannot make the earlier scheduled courses.  All the fall safety classes begin with registration at 8:30 am and conclude with lunch at noon.  

 

This fall the Illinois Department of Ag is also offering free ammonia equipment workshops to supplement this training.  These classes run from 8:30 am to Noon and are free to attend.  The schedule is as follows.  Please please call IDA at 217.782.3817 to reserve a seat at these classes, but walk-ins are also welcome.  

 

October 4 at the Effingham K.C. Hall

October 5 at the Asmark Agricenter in Bloomington

October 6 at the Civic Center in Mendota

 

We encourage anyone who works with ammonia, whether they are ag retailers or farmers, to attend these educational sessions in order to help our industry improve our safety, compliance and professionalism.  If you have questions about any of these course offerings or the ammonia rules in general, please call IFCA at 309.827.2774.