The danger of slurry gases
Gas released during agitation of animal slurry is lethal to humans and animals, according to Irish Health and Safety Officer, Frank Laffey. And with slurry being spread on many farms over the coming weeks, Mr. Laffey has warned farmers to take extreme caution, particularly during agitation.

"Gases released during slurry agitation include methane, carbon dioxide, ammonia and hydrogen sulphide. All are very unpleasant, some are inflammable and one in particular, hydrogen sulphide, is very poisonous to humans and animals.

Exposure to hydrogen sulphide can lead to death within about 10 seconds, said Frank Laffey.

"My advice is to ventilate and evacuate before starting to agitate slurry. This means opening all doors to create a draught, especially at floor level. All animals must be removed from the building and humans should not enter the building while agitation is in progress", he stressed.

He added that gas release is greatest within the first 30 minutes after agitation, especially after breaking the crust. Addition of silage effluent to slurry greatly increases the gas concentration. Also, slurry stored in deep tanks has higher levels of lethal gases.

"There have been a number of tragic human fatalities from slurry gas during the past decade and also many animal deaths. It is imperative that farmers think safety at all times", he warned.

Frank Laffey also reminded farmers to always protect slats/manhole covers, which are opened to facilitate the emptying of slurry tanks. Unprotected covers have led to deaths through drowning in slurry.