The conditions for storing mineral fertilisers are contained in legislation, fertiliser labels and Good Agricultural Practice recommendations. Control of compliance with regulations on fertiliser storage conditions is carried out by the Environmental Protection Inspectorate. Fertiliser storage conditions are described in detail in the Fertiliser Act and in the Regulation of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
The fertiliser store should be properly marked (e.g. with the sign “FERTILISER STORAGE”) and locked with a key, which should be held by a person who is authorised and aware of the storage of fertiliser and the risks involved. On smaller farms this should be the owner himself, on larger farms it should be the person or persons responsible for carrying out the fertiliser application. The doors of the rooms inside the storage area should also be locked. In the case of fertilisers stored in heaps, access to members of the public should be restricted by fencing off and marking such a place. Employees carrying out work related to the storage of fertilisers should be informed about the impact of harmful factors on human health or life, the way of using and storing fertilisers, personal protective equipment, the way of handling unused fertilisers and empty packages, the way of washing and cleaning vehicles and equipment after work, the way of proceeding in the event of danger to human life or health and to the environment, the methods of proceeding during the storage and transport of fertilisers.
The warehouse should be equipped with equipment and devices for storing, moving and stacking fertilisers and with instruments for measuring the temperature and humidity in the warehouse. It is not permissible to store ammonium nitrate together with other fertilisers or in close proximity to heaters.
Solid mineral fertilisers shall be stored in their original packages in accordance with the instructions for their use and storage. They may also be stored in bulk in heaps formed on hardened and impermeable ground, after being covered with waterproof material, in accordance with the instructions for their use and storage. Such prisms must not be placed on steeply sloping land or in intermediate water protection zones. Fertilisers in liquid form shall be stored in closed containers or in leak-proof tanks suitable for the purpose.
The storage area for fertilisers should be separated and take into account the hazards that are associated with the substances stored there. The main purpose of storing fertilisers is to protect them from varying environmental conditions, in particular from significant changes in temperature and humidity. As some fertilisers are flammable and water-soluble substances, they should also be protected against fire and flooding. The warehouse should be equipped with floors made of non-combustible, easily washable, slip-reducing and impact- and corrosion-resistant materials. Other structural elements of the warehouse should also be non-combustible.