15 January 2022

Working Safely with Slurry

With slurry season commencing in many parts of the country this week it is once again important to think about the dangers associated with handling slurry and to plan this work with safety in mind. John McNamara and Francis Bligh Teagasc Health and Safety Specialists advice caution with safety tips

Slurry Drowning

When we think about slurry we usually think about gas but it important to remember drowning is also a frequent occurrence with slurry. Working around an agitator or slurry tanker is demanding and it is possible to lose concentration and ‘step-back’ into a slurry tank if precautions to prevent access to tanks are not in place.

Key safety tips

Safety grids and barriers must be in place to prevent falling into slurry
Maintain high vigilance when placing slurry agitators into position.
Use access holes for slurry pipes
Keep slurry tanks and pits securely covered or fenced.

See the H.S.A video Slurry Tank Near Drowning here

Slurry Gassing

Slurry produces a range of gases based on the nature of the fermentation which occurs.

Facts on slurry gas

Poisoning occurs ‘above ground’ due to the release of Hydrogen Sulphide (H₂S).
H₂S can be detected by smelling at 0.1 ppm
At 150 ppm the olfactory nerve which detects smell in the nose is desensitised and then H₂S cannot be detected by smell
The gas produces adverse health effects at increasing concentration and is rapidly fatal above 700ppm.
Teagasc measurements have indicated that fatal levels of gas can occur in the period after agitation commences

See the H.S.A video Dangers of Slurry Gas - Just One Breath Will Kill here

Key safety tips

Always wait for a breezy day.
Open all doors and vents
Remove all animals from the shed
Ensure persons particularly children or older persons do not enter during/after agitation
At least two people should be present at all times.
Make sure machinery is in good repair and guards are in place.
Make sure tank access points are guarded.
Stay away from the agitation point for at least the first 30 minutes after agitation commences
Remember poisoning can occur either outdoors or indoors in calm conditions

BEWARE Slurry gas can travel into linked tanks or buildings that are connected by drainage pipes or channels. This means you or others in the yard may be unaware that milking parlours, store sheds or even workshops could have high concentrations of potentially fatal gas present.

Wind Speed

A wind speed of at least Beaufort Scale 2 where wind ‘is felt on exposed skin and leaves rustle’ and has a speed of 7 Km per hour or higher is required. This rapidly dissipates the poisonous gas.

Indoor agitation is highly dangerous

Consider

Department of Agriculture TAMSII grant aid to extend tanks to allow outdoor agitation.
Installing a slurry circulation pipe so that more areas of the tank can be agitated from outside agitation pipe.
Installing a slurry aeration system

Watch the video below focusing on safe slurry agitation

Slurry gas meters

The H.S.A /Teagasc guidance does not recommend the use of gas detection systems by farmers. These meters typically are set to alarm at 10ppm which is the Occupational Exposure Limit Value (OELV) for a 15 minute exposure under the Code of Practice for the Safety, Health and Welfare (Chemical Agents) Regulations. This is considered to be the maximum exposure that will not cause a health issue.

Beware

Fatality can occur in an instant - H₂S emissions from slurry (over 1000ppm).
Gas detection systems can only be used safely along with full breathing apparatus and should not be used as a substitute for the safety guidelines outlined in the H.S.A. Teagasc Slurry handling guidance.

Never enter a tank

Entering a slurry tank or any tank with organic material in it can be lethal and is not advised. Doing this work is covered by Confined Space entry regulations and a Code of Practice giving guidance on these regulations is available on the H.S.A. website

Remember

Gas such as H₂S, methane, carbon dioxide or ammonia may be present.
These gasses also deplete oxygen levels which can cause asphyxiation and instant death
Rescue is not possible. Multiple fatalities have occurred when this has been attempted.
Always hire persons or firms with the requisite training and equipment if the need to enter a tank arises

Further Information on Slurry Safety

Further Information on safety with slurry is available from the H.S.A. website and Teagasc Farm Health & Safety

In particular, a video series on the dangers of slurry can be viewed on The H.S.A. and Teagasc YouTube channels. See

Slurry Gas - The Silent Killer on Irish Farms