Write a commentMayor Dáire Hughes joined John Farrell, Director of Environment Health and Building Services, Bryan Monson, Deputy Chief Executive Health and Safety Executive NI to call on farmers to always work safely around slurry.
Six people have died in the last two years and there have also been many serious incidents where others have been overcome by gas released from slurry during mixing.
“Unfortunately we have recently witnessed the tragic consequences that slurry gases can have”. Mayor Hughes said.
“I would appeal to farmers to follow the guidance issued by the Health and Safety Executive. It is based on the most up-to-date research and experience gained from many incidents and near misses. Their advice could save you or your family’s lives” he added.
Slurry gas is a mixture of gases including methane, carbon dioxide, ammonia and hydrogen sulphide which are produced by bacteria during the decomposition of slurry. The most dangerous is hydrogen sulphide which is extremely poisonous to humans and animals. When slurry is mixed it is released very quickly. A high concentration knocks out your sense of smell. It also causes difficulty in breathing, then disorientation. Collapse and death can occur after only a few breaths. At high concentration levels it is not possible to smell hydrogen sulphide.
Bryan Monson speaking on behalf of Health and Safety Executive NI said “Farmers and anyone working with or near slurry tanks may not have noticed any problems until now but the gas is always there during mixing. There is no safe tank. A combination of conditions can easily result in you and your animals suddenly being in serious danger. I would ask everyone to follow the Health and Safety Executive NI’s Safe System of Work”.
If possible, mix on a windy day.
Keep children away from the area at all times when working with slurry.
Take all animals out of the building before starting to mix slurry.
Open all doors and windows.
Use outside mixing points first.
If slats are removed, cover exposed areas of the tank beside the pump/mixer to stop anything falling in.
Start the pump/mixer and then stay out of the building for as long as possible - at least 30 minutes or longer depending on the size of the tank.
If you have to go into the building make sure that another adult, who knows what you are doing, stays outside the building and can get help if needed.
If you have to re-enter the house to move the pump, or change the direction of the pump, then you need to leave the building as soon as this is done. Do not go back in for as long as possible - at least another 30 minutes or longer depending on the size of the tank.
Avoid naked flames, as slurry gas mixture is flammable.
Do not stand close to the pump/exhaust of a vacuum tanker when it is being filled.
You can visit www.hseni.gov.uk/farmsafe for more information or contact the Health and Safety Executive NI directly at 63 Ladas Drive, Belfast, BT6 9FR, tel No 028 9024 3249, Helpline 0800 0320 121, e mail mail@hseni.gov.uk
