As lagoons at swine farms are emptied and waste is spread on crop fields this spring, it’s important to remember manure management tips to keep people and pigs safe.
Farmers need to be prepared to manage and resolve risks while emptying and handling manure facilities. Gases such as methane, hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide or ammonia can be found in high concentrations in manure pits or lagoons and can be fatal within minutes.
“It is important to make sure all employees that work on your operation receive annual training on manure storage and safety,” says Dan Kent, Agri-Services Agency loss control consultant. “Ideally, all new employees receive training during the on-boarding process, and employees who work directly with manure handling and storage receive additional annual training.”
The Agri-Service Agency (ASA) recommends these training topics:
- How to properly test gas levels
- Warning signs of high or low gas levels
- How to properly deal with emergencies regarding confined spaces
- Identifying gases that are present and how to mitigate exposure
- Description of and recommended use of personal protective equipment (PPE) or life safety devices. PPE’s should include a life preserver or personal flotation device, a portable 4-gas monitor, safety glasses or goggles and respirator or supplied air
- Hazard recognition around operations with manure lagoons
Manure management systems have increased in scale and complexity, which makes them a significant part of today’s swine operations. According to the ASA, producers and farm managers should make themselves and employees aware of the following safety protocols for work around clay-lined and HDPE-lined lagoons:
- Install a textured line to allow people to climb out of poly-lined lagoons should a person fall in.
- Keep a fence around the exterior of lagoons to keep livestock and people away from the edges of the lagoon.
- Keep life-saving devices, such as a life preserver, nearby.
- Wear a life vest when working near the edges or slopes of a lagoon.
- Use a portable gas monitor when working around or pumping a lagoon.
- Display signage identifying the location of a manure lagoon and alert everyone of adherence to safety procedures.
- Post emergency contact numbers near the lagoon.
- Use lifelines tied off while working on slopes of lagoons.
The Pork Checkoff offers additional tips for manure management and training resources.
- Before pumping, ventilation curtains should be opened and fans run at maximum speed. Ensure no one is in the building while manure is being pumped and agitated.
- Air quality should be monitored at all times due to the risks of gas exposure.
- Reduce the risk of flash fire by not allowing smoking or open flames near the area where manure is being handled.
- If someone is overcome by gas exposure, do not enter the area to rescue them. Follow the farm’s emergency action plan and call 911 immediately for rescue assistance.
Safe handling of manure should always be a top priority for producers to keep people and pigs safe and utilize this nutrient source.
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