The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) issued an urgent warning on April 21, 2024, following a close call with hazardous slurry gas. The farmers involved narrowly escaped, but future incidents could have fatal outcomes.
Essential Safety Practices for Slurry Mixing:
- Always adhere to a secure method of operation.
- Recognise that warm, still days increase the risk of gas accumulation.
- Never mix slurry with livestock present in the shed.
Preventive Measures:
- Abide by the slurry code to minimize risks.
- Disregard misconceptions that mixing on windy days or relocating livestock is unfeasible.
Your Responsibility:
- Protect yourself, your family, and your livelihood by pre-emptively removing animals from the shed.
- Consider alternative areas for cattle, such as temporary pens created with gates, even in limited spaces.
The Slurry Code Guidelines:
- Preferably mix on windy days to aid gas dispersion.
- Ensure children are always kept at a safe distance.
- Remove all animals before commencing mixing.
- Open all possible doors and windows for ventilation.
- Begin with external mixing points.
- Secure any open slats near the pump/mixer to prevent accidents.
- After starting the pump/mixer, vacate the building for a minimum of 30 minutes, or longer for larger tanks.
- If re-entry is necessary, have another adult standby for emergencies.
- After adjusting the pump, exit promptly and avoid re-entering for an extended period.
For comprehensive instructions on safe slurry mixing, refer to the “Working Safely with Slurry” guide. Your diligence can prevent tragic accidents and ensure the safety of everyone on the farm. Please prioritise these guidelines to safeguard your well-being and that of your community.