Over the past two years incidents involving slurry have claimed the lives of seven people in the UK. Many serious incidents have also taken place; the result of farmers being overcome by gas released from slurry during mixing. Hundreds of animals have been killed in similar circumstances. Drowning has also occurred where people, exposed to the fumes, have fallen through openings into tanks.
Don’t let it happen on your farm.
Always
- Assume hazardous gas is present during mixing.
- Keep all unnecessary openings to slurry tanks covered.
- 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 and can get help if needed.
- If you have to re-enter to move the pump, or change the direction of the pump, 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.
- Remember: There is no safe slurry tank, the gases can kill people and animals almost instantly.
Never
- Rely on filter type facemasks.
- Use gas monitors/meters as a substitute for a safe method of working.
- Rely on meters at the start of mixing.
- Have naked flames near slurry, as slurry gas mixture is flammable.
- Stand close to the pump/exhaust of a vacuum tanker when it is being filled.
Prevent accidents and save lives by always following the safe system of work.
