Handling slurry safely: essential tips

Working with slurry is an inherently dangerous task, presenting hazards such as toxic gas exposure, drowning, and power-take-off (PTO) accidents. Despite the known dangers, incidents continue to occur when safety precautions are neglected. Tragically, lives have been lost, and many farmers have faced near misses with lethal gases when attempting to remove cattle from sheds during agitation or when re-entering a building before lethal gases have been allowed to dissipate to a safe level. To protect yourself, your family, and your livestock, always prioritise safety when managing slurry facilities and handling activities.

Key slurry hazards

There are three primary hazards to assess and control:
1. Slurry gases;

2. Slurry tank openings; and

3. Slurry tankers and the PTO.

1. Slurry gas – the silent killer

Hydrogen sulphide, a highly toxic gas, is released during the bacterial decomposition of slurry. This gas is odourless and can be deadly. The greatest gas release occurs:

• When the crust is broken;
• In the first 30 minutes of agitation;
• In deep tanks during agitation; and
• After several months of storage.

There are a number of golden rules for managing slurry gas risks.

Ventilate

• Choose a windy day to disperse gas quickly; and
• Open all shed doors and ventilation outlets.

Evacuate

• Remove all people and animals from the shed.

Agitate

• Avoid standing on or near slats or agitation points;
• Agitate from outside the shed whenever possible and consider moving internal agitation points to external areas;
• Wait at least 30 minutes post-agitation before entering the shed;
• Have at least two people present during agitation for added safety; and
• Never smoke near the shed during agitation.

2. Slurry tank protection

Unprotected slurry tanks have been the cause of fatal drownings involving children, farmers, and contractors. To prevent these tragedies:

• Fence off

Secure open slurry tanks with an unclimbable safety wall or fence at least 1.8m high. Install locked gates of similar standard.

• Safety manhole covers

Ensure all tanks have safety access covers at agitation points.

• Temporary precautions

Use temporary covers or guardrails if safety covers are not available, along with warning signs. However, this is a temporary solution. Replace unsafe access points/covers promptly.

• Regular inspections

Check slats frequently for signs of wear or damage and replace them as appropriate.

3. PTO safety: preventing entanglement

The PTO shaft can be a deadly hazard if not properly guarded. Entanglement with exposed bolts, universal joints, or other rotating components can lead to severe injury or death.

• PTO safety tips

Ensure the PTO is fully guarded with a PTO shaft guard, U guard, and O guard.

Regularly inspect and maintain all guards to ensure they remain in good condition.

By following these simple but essential precautions, you can minimise the dangers associated with slurry handling and create a safer farming environment.

Always think safety first; your life and livelihood depend on it.