Sunday, 9 October 2022 | 9.4°C Belfast
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A farmer spraying fields with slurry. Stock image.
Farmers are being warned to follow slurry safety codes as the closed period for spreading approaches.
A rush to deplete supplies is expected before midnight on Saturday.
The Health and Safety Executive NI’s (HSENI) principal inspector of the agri-food team Camilla Mackey, is urging farmers to stop and think.
“Coming up to the closed period can sometimes be hectic for farmers trying to get the last of their tanks emptied,” she said.
“Do not take any chances when mixing slurry, it is not worth losing your life over.
“Stop and think about the entire job and ensure you follow the slurry mixing code.
“Always keep children and animals away at all times during the mixing process. Farmers must stay out of the shed for 30 minutes after mixing starts or after moving or re-directing the pump.”
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The safety body is warning that even just one breath of extremely poisonous slurry gases - which includes hydrogen sulphide – can kill.
A low concentration can disable the sense of smell, meaning farmers won’t even know it’s present.
Higher concentrations lead to breathing difficulties and confusion which can begin rapidly after exposure.
“Mixing slurry can be a dangerous job as the gas is released very quickly, and in large quantities, as soon as the mixing starts,” an HSENI statement warns.
“The first 30 minutes are the most dangerous, so it is important to remove all stock from the shed before mixing starts and for farmers to leave the building as soon as the mixing starts.
“It is also vitally important to stay out of the shed for at least 30 minutes after the mixing starts.”
The slurry mixing code states:
More information is available on the HSENI website.
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