Slurry mixing warning ahead of closed spreading season
© Tim Scrivener Farmers are being reminded of the dangers of poisonous slurry gas, and the importance of following the slurry mixing code, ahead of the closed period starting on 15 October
Just one breath of the poisonous slurry gas can kill, says the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI), advising farmers to plan ahead and not rush the mixing process.
Slurry gas is a mixture of gases, including the extremely poisonous hydrogen sulphide.
See also: Top tips for how to take on dangerous job of mixing slurry
Children and animals must be kept away during the mixing process and farmers must stay out of the shed for 30 minutes after mixing starts or after moving or redirecting the pump.
One breath can kill
Bryan Monson, HSENI deputy chief executive, said: “Mixing slurry can be a dangerous job as the gas is released very quickly, and in large quantities, as soon as the mixing starts.”
A low concentration of hydrogen sulphide can knock out your sense of smell, he added, so you won’t even know it’s there.
“At higher concentrations you will rapidly find it harder to breathe and become confused – and at certain concentrations, just one breath can kill.”
Do not take chances
Harry Sinclair, chairman of the Farm Safety Partnership, added: “It’s a busy time of year for our farmers who will be under pressure to get their slurry tanks emptied.”
However, he warned farmers not to take any chances when mixing slurry.
“It is not worth losing your life over. Stop and think about the entire job and ensure you follow the slurry mixing code,” he said.