With spring in the air and the weather improving, well hopefully, the busy period for farmers is in full swing. Farming is an occupation with numerous hazards, many of which are unavoidable. With 6 fatalities already this year in the Agriculture, Hunting & Forestry industry, it is vital that these hazards are managed and reduced.

One of the biggest issues on farms is the storage and maintenance of Slurry. There are many hazards associated with Slurry the main one being the risk of falling into an uncovered or unfenced pit/tank. With this hazard in mind it is important that all Slurry storage areas are fenced appropriately and secure from unauthorised access. This should be in place during the emptying and agitation of the storage tank.

Another hazard associated with the storage and maintenance of slurry is the release of gases as the matter decomposes. These gases include Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S), Ammonia (NH3), Carbon Dioxide (CO2 ) and Methane (CH4). The release of these gases increase dramatically during the agitating of the slurry in preparation for emptying the tank/pit.

The hazards associated with these gases are varied:

• Hydrogen Sulfide: is a very poisonous gas which can cause dizziness, irritation of the respiratory tract, nausea and headaches. In high concentration death can occur as it can cause respiratory paralysis.
  The gas gives of a rotten egg smell however over time the sense of smell becomes fatigued. This means the smell is no longer detectable. Also due to the density of the gas, being heavier then air, it can settle to lower areas and can still be detected after ventilation
• Carbon Dioxide: we are all aware of Carbon Dioxide as a green house gas. As a gas it takes the place of oxygen in the air. It can cause shortness of breath and can lead to dizziness. In very high concentrations it can lead to asphyxiation and has being assiocated with animal deaths.
  Being an odourless gas and having a density greater then air this makes it hard to detect.
• Methane: is a flammable and explosive gas tends to gather at the top of slurry pits/tank. Due to the nature of Methane it is a major hazard in the storage and agitating of the slurry.
  Like Carbon Dioxide it is odourless and can lead to asphyxiation in very high concentration. Methane has a density lower then air.
• Ammonia: has a strong pungent smell and is irritating to the skin, eyes and the respiratory tract. It is heavier then air so it will settle in lower areas. In very high exposure the irritation to the respiratory tract increases. Like Carbon Dioxide and Methane it has asphyxiating proprieties.

Controls Measures/Precautions for safe storage and handling of Slurry

• All slurry pits/tanks should be appropriately fenced and locked to prevent unauthorised access.
• Access to slatted tanks should be via a manhole which can only be accessed and opened by a competent person.
• Children must be supervised at all times around farms especially around slurry storage.
• Safety grid should be in place underneath manholes and chained to prevent them falling into the tank.
• Signage should be in place informing people of the storage of slurry.
• All storage of slurry should be in a well ventilated area.
• Due to the presence of methane, no naked flames or smoking should be carried out in the area of slurry.
• During agitating activities, the area must be well ventilated with all doors open to ensure good air movement.
• Area should be evacuated of all animals and people. Two people should be present and stand up wind from the agitating.
• Area should be kept clear for the first half an hour of agitating to reduce exposure to harmful gases.
• Agitation should only be carried out by a trained and competent person who is aware off all the hazards and understands the danger of the process.
• Entry into slurry storage tanks should never be allowed. Entry were unavoidable and essential, should only be carried out by trained and competent person with appropriate Breathing apparatus and after testing to ensure oxygen levels are adequate and all other gases such as Hydrogen Sulfide are at safe levels. The person entering must be attached with a safety harness with a watcher at entry point.

For more details on safety on farms and an online risk assessment tool visit the HSA website www.hsa.ie and www.farmsafely.com.