On average, there are two farming fatalities a year in Ireland due to slurry gas poisoning or drowning, according to Eddie Wall from the Health and Safety Authority (HSA).
Wall was speaking at a Teagasc and HSA farm safety event in Clogheen, Co. Tipperary as part of Farm Safety Fortnight.
He said that gas is the catalyst when it comes to slurry accidents.
“These gases are being held in the tank all year so when you’re agitating slurry, that is the most dangerous time [when you could be overcome by the gases].”
Before you start agitating the first thing you should do is evacuate your animals from the slatted shed, Wall said.
“Economically, you don’t want to see one of them drop, and if one does drop you’re more likely to go in the shed then to help it.
“Also, a good rule of thumb is not to allow the slurry to get too high in the tank as this could also harm your animals.
“Pick a windy day, you need a good wind to lift the gasses. Good ventilation is important.”
Put the agitator going and leave it. The heaviest amount of gas comes out initially and there’s no need to watch it, it’s like watching paint dry.
Wall explained how it’s the gas hydrogen sulphide, which smells like rotten eggs, people can smell and complain about when slurry agitating and spreading.
He cautioned that too many people have the ‘it’s not going to happen to me attitude’ and advised farmers to follow the safety guidelines when agitating slurry.
Speaking about slurry gas alarms, Wall said that you could be exposed to the gases by the time the alarm goes off.
“Err on the side of caution instead of assuming you’re ok and avoid any risks in the first place.”