The two safety concerns presented by slurry are drowning and gas poisoning, and it is of utmost importance that farmers take the correct precautions against them.
From 2000-2010, 30{b28040870e2dde01f25bc5b483275391226143b34751c4bb8f1feeecaec925a1} of child fatal accidents on farms were caused by drowning in slurry or water. Also during that time, 8{b28040870e2dde01f25bc5b483275391226143b34751c4bb8f1feeecaec925a1} of deaths to elderly farmers were caused by drowning.
While low levels of the extremely dangerous gas hydrogen sulphide have a ‘rotten egg‘ smell, at high levels, the gas is odorless.
One breath of air with a high level of hydrogen sulphide can be fatal.
The HSA has compiled a list of tips for farmers to correctly protect themselves while dealing with slurry. We have included them below .
- Do not allow slurry to rise within 300mm of the slats or tank covers.
- Avoid smoking and naked flames as the gas mixture can be highly flammable.
- Never enter a tank for any reason – gases can build up and remain in partially emptied tanks above the slurry.
- Never enter the slurry tank or any confined space unless you are wearing suitable breathing apparatus and/ or a harness attached to a lifeline controlled by at least two other adults positioned outside of the area.
- Put up warning signs to warn of the dangers when working with slurry.
- Scrape holes on outdoor lagoons should be adequately protected.
- Cover all slurry tank manhole openings.
- Beware of the risk of back injury if you need to lift slats in the shed.
- Agricultural contractors must be aware of the dangers of working with slurry and should ensure that they work safely at all times.
- Open slurry tanks should be protected by an unclimbable fence or wall at least 1.8 metres high, with locked gates.
- When the tank has to be emptied, consider having an adequately constructed access platform with safety rails.
- Covered or slatted tanks require access manholes that children cannot open easily. Fit a safety grid below the manhole to give secondary protection. All slurry tanks should be adequately fenced.
- Evacuate all livestock and make sure no person or animal is in or near the building.
- Use outdoor agitation points where possible – one lung-full of slurry gas can kill.
- Only agitate where there is good air movement.
- Evacuate and ventilate before you agitate.
- Open all doors and outlets to provide a draught.
- Avoid vigorous agitation in confined spaces.
- At least two people should be present and should stand up-wind.
- Keep all people away from the agitation point for 30 minutes after starting agitation.
- Keep children and elderly persons away from the area when agitating.
- Never stand over slats or near tank access points when agitation is in progress.
