Safety is also key to those maintaining anhydrous ammonia equipment Written By: The Globe | × ST. PAUL — Recent accidents involving anhydrous ammonia have proven how dangerous and deadly the chemical can be when not handled properly. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) provides the following tips for safely applying anhydrous ammonia. Always wear appropriate goggles and gloves. Never wear contact lenses. Be sure to have a clean, adequate emergency water supply of at least 5 gallons. Use caution when making connections and disconnections. Stand upwind when connecting, disconnecting, bleeding lines or transferring NH3. Also, close, bleed, disconnect and secure valves and transfer lines when taking breaks or disconnecting lines, and be sure to handle hose end valves by the valve body.