Written by: Stuart Lombard, Health & Safety Advisor at CXCS
Slurry storage and mixing are routine jobs on many farms, but they can present serious risks if the right precautions are not in place. As we head into the autumn and winter months, slurry stores can come under increasing pressure and slurry handling, storage and mixing become an important consideration for many farm businesses.
A recent fatal incident in Cheshire has brought the dangers associated with slurry stores into sharp focus. On 26 August, two farmers were reported to have died after entering an underground slurry tank. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has stressed that the full circumstances of the incident have not yet been established but has used the notification to remind the industry of the risks associated with slurry stores and confined spaces.
Slurry stores present more than one hazard. Toxic gases can build up, particularly when slurry is disturbed or mixed, while open stores and poorly protected access points can also create a risk of falls and drowning.
With winter approaching, now is a good time to review your slurry storage, check that appropriate safety measures are in place and make sure everyone working on the farm understands the risks.
Stuart Lombard, Health & Safety Advisor at CXCS, looks at some of the key risks associated with slurry stores and the practical steps farms can take to help keep everyone working on and around them safe.
Why is slurry gas so dangerous?
As slurry decomposes, it can produce gases including hydrogen sulphide, methane, ammonia and carbon dioxide. Oxygen levels can also become dangerously low in enclosed spaces.
Hydrogen sulphide is particularly hazardous and, at high concentrations, can cause unconsciousness extremely quickly. Crucially, you cannot rely on your sense of smell to warn you that the atmosphere is dangerous.
HSE warns that the generation of slurry gases can be unpredictable. Agitating slurry, for example during mixing or pumping, can greatly increase the rate at which gas is released and can suddenly produce high concentrations of hydrogen sulphide. Atmospheric monitoring devices should therefore not be relied upon as the sole warning of danger.
Avoid entering slurry tanks and confined spaces
Above and below-ground slurry tanks, sumps, reception pits and spaces beneath slatted floors can all present a high risk.
Wherever possible, slurry systems and working practices should be designed so there is no need to enter these areas. Jobs such as maintenance, inspection and clearing blockages should be carried out from outside wherever this can be achieved safely.
If entry cannot be avoided, it must be carefully risk assessed, planned and carried out by people who are competent and appropriately trained, with the correct equipment and emergency arrangements in place.
For many farms, this may mean seeking competent advice or using a specialist contractor rather than attempting the work yourself.
Take particular care when mixing slurry
Mixing or agitating slurry can rapidly release gases that have accumulated within it, making this a particularly high-risk time around a slurry storage system.
Before starting, make sure everyone on the farm knows that mixing is taking place. People should be kept away from slurry stores, stirring points and livestock buildings connected to the slurry storage system while mixing or pumping is underway.
Never stand over a mixing point while slurry is being agitated, and don’t assume that a gas detector alone will provide sufficient warning. Dangerous concentrations of gas can develop very quickly and unexpectedly.
Don’t forget the risk of falls and drowning
Gas isn’t the only danger associated with slurry stores.
Lagoons, tanks, reception pits and other storage systems need to be adequately protected to prevent people accidentally falling in or gaining unauthorised access.
Check fencing, gates, covers and other barriers regularly and deal with any damage or deterioration promptly. Access points should be secured and appropriate warning signs displayed.
This is particularly important where children, visitors, contractors or members of the public could potentially gain access to the area.
What should you do in an emergency?
If someone collapses or gets into difficulty inside a slurry tank or other confined space, do not enter to try to rescue them unless you are properly trained and equipped to do so.
Entering without the correct equipment can result in the rescuer becoming another casualty.
Call the emergency services immediately and make it clear that the incident involves a slurry store or confined space.
Emergency procedures should be considered before any confined-space work takes place and should not rely solely on the emergency services being able to carry out a rescue.
Take a few minutes to review your safety measures
Slurry handling may be an everyday part of farming, but familiarity should never lead to the risks being underestimated.
Before winter, check that:
- slurry stores, pits and access points are adequately secured
- appropriate warning signs are in place
- everyone working on the farm understands the dangers associated with slurry gas
- you have safe procedures in place for slurry mixing and pumping
- confined-space entry is avoided wherever possible
- risk assessments and emergency arrangements are up to date
- anyone carrying out higher-risk or confined-space work is appropriately competent, trained and equipped.
Taking a little time now to carry out these checks and talk through the risks with everyone working on the farm could make a vital difference.
Support & advice
If you would like us to review health and safety on your farm or have concerns about slurry store safety, please get in touch on 01981 590514 or email info@cxcs.co.uk to speak to our Health & Safety team.
You can also find out more about our Health & Safety service on our website.
We handle the detail. You work safely.