BEWARE OF MANURE GAS

 

A confined-space hazard that can often claim multiple lives before someone realizes there is a danger is manure gas.  Manure pits can be oxygen-deficient, toxic and explosive.  There are four gases of primary concern.

1)   Hydrogen Sulfide is a highly toxic gas that is heavier than air.  It can cause dizziness, unconsciousness and death.  At low concentrations it may smell like rotten eggs, but a higher concentrations it will deaden the sense of smell and cause death.

2)   Carbon dioxide is an odorless gas that is heavier than air.  It displaces the oxygen supply, which can cause unconsciousness and death.

3)   Ammonia is a gas that is lighter than air.  It has a pungent smell and can irritate the eyes and respiratory tract.  It can displace oxygen.

4)   Methane is also a gas that is lighter than air.  The primary hazard is that it can create an explosive atmosphere.  It can also displace oxygen.

·       Never enter a manure pit.

·       Label manure pit and manure storage areas to warn of the gas hazards.

·       Obtain and use monitoring equipment to determine the level of gases present.

·       If entrance is necessary, a self-contained breathing apparatus must be worn by someone trained in its use.  A safety harness should be worn and monitoring should continue while someone is in the manure storage area.

Inspection

___Y  ___N  Metal grill cover over opening

 

___Y  ___N  Manure gas warning labels near pit

 

___Y  ___N  Metal grill cover over pit