Manure management is a standard part of Wisconsin farm life, but as operations grow and liquid storage systems become more common, the risks associated with manure pits are trending upward. This is according to UW-Madison Professor and Division of Extension Specialist Rebecca Larson.
Whether you’re a seasoned operator or a new hand, here are five critical safety tips to keep in mind before you head out to the pits.
1. Don’t rely on your sense of smell
You probably know that hydrogen sulfide smells like rotten eggs. While that’s true at low levels, it is a deadly trap. As H2S concentrations rise, it actually paralyzes your olfactory nerve. The “rotten egg” smell might disappear, leading you to believe the air is clearing. In reality, the gas could be reaching lethal levels.
Never rely on your sense of smell as a safety measure. Instead, invest in a personal gas monitor. These sensors provide a life-saving alert when concentrations hit dangerous thresholds, like 10 parts per million.
2. Take Safety precautions when agitating manure
Manure gases including methane, ammonia, and hydrogen sulfide, are produced naturally by microbial activity. While the manure sits, these gases stay trapped in the liquid similar to bubbles in a soda bottle. The moment you start agitating or mixing the manure to distribute nutrients, those gases are released in high concentrations.
- Wait for a breezy day to help disperse the fumes.
- Ensure maximum ventilation.
- Keep non-essential personnel away from the area.
3. Use caution when entering a confined space
A manhole or a below-ground storage tank is a confined space with limited oxygen and poor ventilation. These areas are the most common sites for Wisconsin farm fatalities.
If you must enter a confined space, follow a strict protocol:
- Test the air before entry.
- Use a proper respirator.
- Wear a safety harness and have a mechanical retrieval system in place.
- Never enter alone and always have a spotter outside.
4. Watch the weather
Wisconsin farmers are used to checking the radar for rain before spreading, but temperature and wind matter just as much for manure pit safety.
- Warm temperatures – Microorganisms become more active in warmer weather, meaning they produce gas at a faster rate.
- Low wind – A calm, still day is a high-risk day. Without wind to move the air, heavy gases can settle and pool around the pit or low-lying areas.
5. Have an emergency rescue plan
Heartbreaking farm tragedies can occur when a worker sees a colleague collapse and rushes in to save them, only to be overcome by the same invisible gas. Take precautions ahead of time that are ready to implement in case of emergency.
- Create an emergency plan.
- Run through “what if” scenarios with your employees.
- Invite your local fire department and EMS to your farm to review the area and discuss emergency management strategies.
Many modern, rural first responders don’t have farm backgrounds. If they know your farm layout and the specific risks, including where your pits are located, they can arrive with the right monitors and equipment immediately, saving precious minutes.
As the number one farm insurer in Wisconsin, we provide knowledge and insight to help you make the best decisions to protect your farm and way of life. That’s why we go beyond the policy by providing educational content on best practices – from farm safety to succession planning. Reach out to a local agent to learn more.
