Teagasc Launches Campaign on Safe Slurry Handling
Issued 11thJuly 2001
A campaign aimed at eliminating deaths from drowning in slurry tanks was launched by Teagasc today.
Officially launched by IFA President, Tom Parlon,on the farm of Allen Callagy, Broadford, Co. Kildare, the campaign is taking place against the background of 15 deaths, nine of which involved children, as a result of drowning in slurry tanks during the past 10 years. In the past two years alone, five people have drowned in slurry tanks.
Frank Laffey, National Health and Safety Officer with Teagasc said all the deaths have resulted from farmers having to lift slats in order to empty slurry tanks, thereby leaving a gaping hole, which is a potential death trap.
''It is crucial that every slurry tank on every farm is fitted with a safety access manhole cover. This eliminates the need to lift slats when emptying tanks''.
''These manhole covers are available for the past 10 years but have not yet been installed in many older slurry tanks. A manhole cover costs just £350 which is a small price to pay for safety and peace of mind'', he said.
John Maguire, Chief Executive of the Irish Concrete Federation which has joined with Teagasc in mounting the national campaign said all farmers should ensure that the correct safety features are in place before animals are taken indoors next autumn.
''The ideal time to install safety access covers is when slurry tanks are empty. Therefore, farmers should use the next three months to make their slurry tanks completely safe'', he urged.
The Teagasc campaign is also highlighting the extreme risks associated with agitating slurry prior to spreading.
''Exposure to gases released during slurry agitation can lead to deaths within 10 seconds. There have been a number of tragic human fatalities from slurry gas during the past decade and also many animal fatalities'', said Frank Laffey.
Gases released during slurry agitation include hydrogen sulphide, methane, carbon dioxide and ammonia. Hydrogen sulphide is the most lethal and leads to immediate suffocation of humans and animals.
Frank Laffey stressed the importance of ventilating and evacuating before starting to agitate slurry.
''All doors must be opened and all animals must be removed from the building. No person should ever enter the building while agitation is in progress'', he said.
The campaign, which is part of the Think Safety and Take Action drive by Teagasc to improve safety levels in all aspects of farming, involves the publication of a special information brochure on safe slurry handling and a nationwide awareness campaign.
Supporting the Teagasc initiative, Tom Parlon said 16 deaths and 2,000 injuries occurred on Irish farms last year.
''There is hardly a farm family in the country which has not been affected in some way by farm accidents. Having the proper safety procedures in place and thinking safety at all times must be the priority on all farms'', he said.
