Iowa
State University Extension
It's
a scenario every livestock operator with a manure pit fears.
However, everyone in a farming operation must know what to
do if someone is found unconscious in a manure pit.
Multiple
deaths are common in manure pit incidents. People often attempt
rescues without proper equipment and become victims, too.
Make
sure everyone in the operation, especially young family members,
know about the dangers of manure pit systems. The following
precautions must be taken:
Maintain
a fence around open pits and keep the gate locked at all times.
Post
warning signs around manure pits and enclosed livestock facilities
about the possibility of a contaminated atmosphere.
If someone
is found unconscious in or near a manure storage facility,
do not attempt a rescue. Contact an ambulance or local emergency
medical service immediately. The caller should provide as
many details as possible so that technicians bring proper
equipment.
Stay
out of manure pits unless absolutely necessary. If work must
be done inside the pit, allow only experienced and trained
people to do it.
For
more information, contact your field agricultural engineer
or county extension office. A new SAFE FARM publication, Manure
Storage Poses Invisible Risks, Pm-1518k, also is available.
Disclaimer
and Reproduction Information: Information in NASD does not represent
NIOSH policy. Information included in NASD appears by permission
of the author and/or copyright holder. More
NASD Review: 04/2002
This
news release was distributed by Iowa State University Extension
as part of the Safe Farm Program. Safe Farm promotes health
and safety in agriculture. It is funded by the National Institute
for Occupational Safety and Health, Iowa State University, and
a network of groups that serve Iowa farm workers and their families.
Distribution date: November 1993.
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