Safety Issues and Manure Handling Robert E. Graves cause death within seconds. The familiar “rotten egg smell” Professor of Agricultural and Biological Engineering ; s detectable at low levels but at higher levels will quickly The Pennsylvania State University deaden the sense of smell. In addition to protecting the environment, a complete nu trient management plan must consider the health and safety of workers and visitors. Manure systems present various hazards, including asphyxiation (inability to breathe), poi soning, drowning, electric shock, and machinery entangle ment or entrapment. Hazardous Gases Liquid manure storages, pump pits, sumps, and tanks can easily contain poisonous gases that will not be apparent until someone enters the tank and is overcome. Multiple deaths have occurred as a result of people failing to follow appropriate procedures for working in these confined spaces. Do not enter manure sumps, pits, or storage tanks without appropriate safety apparatus and procedures. No tool, pump part, or farm chore is worth a human life. Concentrations of toxic gases above critical levels will kill or immobilize you regardless of the presence of oxygen. Other gases kill by displacing the oxygen from the air space above the manure. The following gases may be found in liquid manure storages, pump pits, sumps or other confined spaces that contain or have contained manure: Hydrogen sulfide is the most dangerous manure gas. It is colorless, heavier than air, and at high concentrations can Fax C7HI 866-7237 MEMBER MEMBER TRUSS PLATE INSTITUTE 701 E. Linden St., Richland, PA 17087 MANUFACTURERS OF: Ctu-Lam Arches Roof Trusses Ctu-Lam Beams Floor Trusses Clu-Lam Treated Posts T/G & V-Croove Decking WE STOCK: Equis Quality Stall Systems Cannonball Track and Door and Wall Systems Accessories Grittwork Sections Fabrat Roofing and Siding Dutch Door Systems Lumber and Shingles Plyco Doors and Windows All Types of Fasteners Over 40 Tears of Quality Service You may not even realize hydrogen sulfide is present and then it’s too late. Release of hydrogen sulfide can increase a thousand fold during agitation. Hydrogen sulfide easily ac cumulates in an enclosed manure tank, pump sump or en closed building and is a deadly gas. Carbon dioxide is a colorless and odorless nontoxic gas that is heavier than air. It replaces oxygen and causes death by asphyxiation. Carbon dioxide can only be detected by gas detection equipment. Ammonia is lighter than air and has a strong bleach smell. Because it is an irritant, people usually leave the area quickly. It can cause severe burns to the eyes, throat, and lungs. Ammonia is not suspected of causing death but con tinuous exposure to low levels can cause irritation of the res piratory system and difficulty with vision. Methane is lighter than air, highly flammable, and explo sive. It is odorless, colorless, and must be measured with a gas detector. Quickly rising methane can accumulate under roofs or at the top of enclosed rooms or buildings. An errant electric spark or lighted torch can cause an explosion. (Turn to Pago 38) Phone C 717) 866-6581 7 he Symbol of Quality in Engineered Timbei
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