The Threat of Hydrogen Sulfide
We have had multiple reports this season from customers who have lost cattle due to gas emissions during pumping. Luckily, in these instances, no people were harmed. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. We just wanted to remind everyone to take extra safety precautions when agitating and pumping manure.
There are a multitude of gasses generated from manure; carbon dioxide, ammonia, methane, and lastly the most dangerous, hydrogen sulfide. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a clear gas that in low concentrations has a “rotten egg” odor. However, as concentrations increase a person’s ability to detect the odor is hindered. In high concentration scenarios, instant poisoning and death are imminent.
The biggest threat of hydrogen sulfide exposure is during agitation and pumping as the gas is being released from manure (imagine the release of CO2 when you shake a pop). With that said, keep these safety protocols from Iowa State University and Cornell University top of mind:
- Review the site emergency action plan. Make sure there are at least two people present during pumping and agitation.
- When entering a storage or confined space which contains or contained manure, wear a self-contained breathing apparatus and a safety belt with a lifeline outside.
- Before agitation or pumping, make sure electrical power to non-ventilation equipment is off. Also turn off pilot lights or other ignition sources. Make sure ventilation curtains or pivot doors are fully open.
- Run ventilation fans at full speed.
- Make sure no one is in the building and mark doors that entry is not safe. If possible, move livestock.
- Do not agitate manure until the level is at least two feet below slats.
- During agitation, keep the jet of pressurized manure under the surface. Don’t let the jet strike walls or pit columns.
- Stop agitation when manure levels fall below agitator.
- Continue maximum ventilation for an hour after pumping has ended before entering the building.
In order to understand the common denominators in some of these cattle deaths and to promote absolute safety during pumping, we are offering Hydrogen Sulfide meters (while supplies last.) In return, we request access to your meter readings and pumping/agitation practices. Hopefully, through this data we can understand additional ways to prevent these tragic events.
To get your Hydrogen Sulfide meter, give Mike Strait a call: 319.679.2281 or shoot him an email: [email protected]
Hallman, Eric M., and Brian S. Aldrich. “Hydrogen Sulfide in Manure Handling Systems: Health & Safety Issues.” Hydrogen Sulfide in Manure Handling Systems: Health and Safety Issues (n.d.): n. pag. Manure Management Program. June 2016. Web. 24 Oct. 2016
Shouse, By Angela Rieck-Hinz Shawn. “Caution Urged When Pumping Manure from Deep Pits.” Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. N.p., 12 Sept. 2012. Web. 24 Oct. 2016