Manure Safety

Manure Gas Safety: How to prevent the Invisible Risks

Livestock producers find gases and odors to be one of their top nuisances, but they can also pose life-threatening risks when the gases are confined to buildings and/or manure pits. Along with the risks that are present, economic losses can occur when animals die from the gases. The combination of health risks and economic risks leaves all producers hoping for ways to avoid the invisible risk that comes with manure storage. Knowing when air quality problems will occur can be difficult but knowing the precautions to take to reduce or eliminate issues from occurring is best, based on information provided by the Iowa State University Extension.

The gases that are commonly found in pits and storage areas are as follows:

•Carbon Dioxide/Carbon Monoxide: Carbon Dioxide results from animal respiration, while carbon monoxide is the result of using combustion equipment in a confined area. At high concentrations, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide can cause respiratory distress and headaches. If prolonged exposure occurs, the gases can be fatal. To prevent problems from occurring it is important to have proper ventilation in all buildings and structures.

•Ammonia: Ammonia is the result of manure decomposition. At low levels, it can cause eye irritation. At levels around 1,500 ppm, frothing of the mouth and coughing can occur, and at levels as high as about 5,000 ppm, ammonia is deadly. Providing at least a minimum winter ventilation rate throughout the year, frequently rinsing equipment, and leaving at least a half-inch of water in pits or on the floor can help limit overexposure.

•Methane: This gas is produced as animal waste decomposes, and warm temperatures accelerate the decomposition process. Methane gas is dangerous because it is highly combustible and is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, making it hard to detect. To protect yourself from the dangers of methane, it is vital to ensure all pits and manure storage areas are adequately ventilated. Prohibiting all flames and open sparks in areas near or in pits and storage facilities can also be a preventative measure taken.

•Hydrogen Sulfide: This is the most dangerous gas that is found in enclosed livestock operations. Within seconds of exposure, unconsciousness will occur, which is often fatal. The rotten egg odor can make hydrogen sulfide easily detectable at low levels, but your sense of smell will become paralyzed when in high concentrations. To minimize the dangers that are associated with hydrogen sulfide, make sure to provide extra ventilation during agitation, do not enter a pit without precautions, and make sure to exit the building immediately if high levels are suspected.

What can you do to promote manure storage safety?

• Learn the dangers and signs of toxic levels of manure gases

• Post warning signs around manure pits about the possibility of a contaminated atmosphere

• Check with local agencies about rescue equipment that may be available to handle gases that could be present in your operation

• Maintain a fence around open pits and keep the gate locked at all times

• Keep the area around earthen pits mowed and free of tall weeds

• Never enter a manure pit alone

Resources to Follow

Iowa State University Extenison Manure storage poses invisible risks https://bit.ly/3lru5bI

University of Minnesota Extension Protocols and preparation for manure agitation https://bit.ly/2YNdM0V

Manure Gas Safety Checklist https://bit.ly/3k3fZO1

Ohio State University Extension Liquid Manure Safety https://bit.ly/3k7LBST

National Pork Board Employee Safety Toolkit https://bit.ly/394v5wE

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