Posted By Stu Haysman
I have been handed a dilemma.

We use ammonium nitrate within our surface treatments shop. Historically, we have bought this in single 25kg sacks, which last quite a while. These sacks are correctly stored in the small chemical store (segregated from combustibles and flammables etc.).

However, for some mysterious reason, our supplier will now only sell to us in a minimum quantity of a 600kg skip bag. We think this will last us at least two years..... These skip bags are far too big to store in the small chemicals store.

I have been asked to advise on where to store the new size bag, hence my dilemma. There are no suitable internal storage locations on site (and I'm twitchy about storing his much oxidiser in the building anyway), I have been unable to find a suitable external store for a reasonable price; I have even contemplated sending most of the contents of the bag off site as hazardous waste so I don't have to store it! Needless to say, they cannot substitute for a safer substance.

Has anyone got any suggestions?

Many thanks

Stu

Posted By IanS
I would suggest searching for a more accommodating supplier! It would probably be worth paying slightly more per Kg than to have the storage or waste issues you've mentioned. A Google search would be a good starting place.

Posted By David Bannister
Stu, I feel that the reason your supplier has gone to big bags is that ammonium nitrate is a very handy component of homemade terrorist explosives; small sacks are very easy to handle whereas the bulk bags are much harder, needing lifting equipment. Not so easy for the terrorist to anonymously buy, store and transport.

This makes it tough for you too.

Random thought - farmers use the stuff as fertiliser. Can you use a nearby farmers store?