The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) is reminding farmers to stop and think before working with slurry and to be mindful of the HSENI’s slurry guidance:
Always
- Assume hazardous gas is present during mixing
- Keep all unnecessary openings to slurry tanks covered
- If possible, mix on a windy day
- Keep children away from the area at all times when working with slurry
- Take all animals out of the building before starting to mix slurry
- Open all doors and windows
- Use outside mixing points first
- If slats are removed, cover exposed areas of the tank beside the pump/mixer to stop anything falling in
- Start the pump/mixer and then stay out of the building for as long as possible – at least 30 minutes or longer depending on the size of the tank
- If you have to go into the building, make sure that another adult who knows what you are doing stays outside and can get help if needed
- If you have to re-enter to move the pump, or change the direction of the pump, leave the building as soon as this is done – do not go back in for as long as possible – at least another 30 minutes or longer depending on the size of the tank
Never
- Rely on filter type facemasks
- Use gas monitors/meters as a substitute for a safe method of working
- Rely on meters at the start of mixing
- Have naked flames near slurry, as slurry gas mixture is flammable
- Stand close to the pump/exhaust of a vacuum tanker when it is being filled
The UFU would encourage farmers and their families to visit the HSENI website for further information on farm safety.
