A culture of safety: Manure gas safety

Last month, my fellow columnist Jason Oliver introduced the concept of creating a culture of safety in agriculture, emphasizing that safety is both a choice and a habit. This involves actively identifying workplace hazards and taking steps to eliminate or reduce risks whenever possible. While the intention to establish a safety culture is easy, making the time to implement safety measures in daily farm activities is more challenging.

This month, we focus on manure gas safety. Take time this month to assess your manure management system and develop safety plans and habits that help cultivate a safety culture, preventing potential traumatic incidents. 

Understanding manure gas hazards

Manure systems present multiple hazards, including risks associated with manure storage, tractors, and land application equipment. One of the most serious dangers is manure-related gas incidents, which have resulted in at least 150 deaths in the U.S. since 1960. The primary gases of concern—methane and hydrogen sulfide—pose significant health and safety risks. Methane is highly explosive, while hydrogen sulfide is extremely toxic, capable of causing impairment or death. These gases are continuously released as microorganisms decompose organic material in manure.

In most cases, they dissipate into the air at low, harmless concentrations. However, under certain conditions —such as warm temperatures, agitation, poor ventilation, or physical barriers that trap gases— dangerous accumulations can occur, posing severe risks to humans and animals. Understanding these risks and implementing preventative measures can significantly reduce potential hazards.

Reducing the risks

Farmers can take several steps to protect themselves, their workers, and their livestock from manure gas exposure. One of the most effective measures is eliminating risk where possible. Reducing unnecessary manure collection and storage —such as eliminating under-barn storage—can minimize hazards. Because anaerobic storage conditions promote methane and hydrogen sulfide production, shifting away from such storage systems can help reduce gas emissions. Evaluating farm layouts to identify high-risk areas is a crucial
first step.

When eliminating risk isn’t feasible, safeguards and warnings mitigate risk. Keeping people and animals away from manure storage areas, especially during agitation, is crucial. For under-barn storages, this includes removing people and animals before agitating and emptying, using lock-out/tag-out procedures to prevent accidental re-entry. Barriers and signage enhance awareness of hazardous zones and provide guidance on risk reduction procedures. Preventive measures should integrate seamlessly into daily operations—if they interfere with routine tasks, they are more likely to be ignored or removed.

Proper ventilation plays a key role in dispersing toxic gases. Designing storage systems to avoid barriers to gas dispersion – such as roofs and walls – can allow gases to disperse thus reducing concentrations. Integrating ventilation into barns or manure storage spaces can force gas dispersion, reducing high gas concentrations in areas where people or animals are present. Consult with experts to design effective ventilation systems that meet standards and farm goals for risk mitigation. 

Installing permanent gas sensors in enclosed or high-risk spaces can provide early warnings prior to entry. Sensors are particularly useful in barns or other areas where dispersion can be limited, thus giving a visual and/or audio warning outside the area before entry. 

Manure agitation is particularly dangerous, as it releases trapped gases within the manure. Avoiding agitation during warm weather or calm, windless conditions helps reduce risk. Keeping unnecessary personnel away from agitation areas is a simple but vital precaution.

Regardless of safeguards, education is paramount. Farm workers must be trained to recognize manure gas risks and respond effectively to emergencies. Developing a safety plan – including emergency response procedures – is essential. Many fatalities occur when individuals attempt to rescue someone without proper training. Collaborating with local fire departments for emergency response training can make a life-saving difference. Providing workers with thorough training on hazards and risk factors enables them to make informed decisions in high-risk situations. Additionally, offering training in multiple formats (e.g., meetings, farm walk-throughs, written materials) and multiple languages ensures that safety messages reach all workers effectively.

Providing personal protective equipment (PPE) further enhances safety. Properly fitted respirators, with adequate training, are necessary for high-risk situations. Personal gas sensors offer real-time alerts in lower-risk scenarios, allowing workers to exit hazardous areas before exposure becomes dangerous. Ensuring workers understand how to use this equipment correctly prevents alarm fatigue and increases compliance.

Conclusion

Manure gas hazards are a serious but manageable risk in agriculture. By identifying dangers, implementing preventive measures, and fostering a culture of safety, farmers can significantly reduce the likelihood of accidents. Take proactive steps today to protect your farm, your workers and yourself. •

• Source: https://www.manuremanager.com/a-culture-of-safety-manure-gas-safety/