Producers and manure handling contractors should review and update their Emergency Action Plan related to pumping, storage, handling and toxic gas exposure.
Marguerite Tan, Director of Environmental Programs with the National Pork Board, says the valuable resource must be respected for the potential dangers it presents, including suffocation and flash fires from the gases.
“Pits need to be checked every time they enter the barn for foaming. If you detect foam, exit the barn, extinguished potential ignition sources, and treat that pit with anti-foaming agents. The next thing is monitor air quality, it’s fast and easy to do and has the potential to save a life.”
Tan recommends ensuring people are out of the building when emptying a pit and maximizing ventilation during and 30 minutes after pumping and agitation. Additionally, entry protocols must be in place for confined spaces.
“Sometimes we’re not always aware that we are in a confined space. In an ideal world, all of our confined spaces would be labeled. Unfortunately, they’re not always labeled like they should be. So, we just need to keep an extra eye out for safety and before we do anything, ask ourselves, is this a confined space, and does it need confined space entry protocol.”
Producers should assume their pit contains these four hazardous gases, including hydrogen sulfide, methane, ammonia and carbon dioxide. In high concentrations, each of these gases may be harmful and even cause death. Consider purchasing a hydrogen sulfide gas monitor for anyone who will be near the area where manure is being pumped.
“I can’t stress that enough that air quality monitoring is the number one thing that we can do to help keep us safe. It’s very easy to do. It doesn’t take 30 seconds if that to be able to monitor that air quality. So, go in there with an air quality monitor. They make air quality monitors that you can wear them on your person, you can put them on your belt. Go in there, make sure you’re monitoring that air quality.”
Visit porkcheckoff.org/news for the top five tips for staying safe while handling manure.
