The dangers surrounding slurry gases are the focus of a new leaflet launched by the Farm Safety Partnership.
These gases have been the cause of a number of tragic and high-profile accidents in recent years, resulting in the death of people and animals. Decomposition of slurry can release a cocktail of toxic gasses including hydrogen sulphide – even a few breaths of the gas can render a person unconscious.
The Farm Safety Partnership, which is chaired by the NFU for the next two years, has produced the leaflet as part of its Stop! Think! Slurry Gas campaign unveiled at Grassland & Muck at Stoneleigh Park this week.
“Deaths from slurry gas still occur and these are made all the more tragic by the fact that so many people die who instinctively go to the aid of those in difficulty,” NFU vice president Guy Smith said.
“This new leaflet has 11 points to follow to reduce the risk of a slurry gas incident. But it’s equally important to know that if there’s a problem, stop the pump, get the person to fresh air, but don’t put yourself at risk; call 999 and advise the emergency services that slurry gas may be present.”
The new leaflet can be downloaded from link below. The campaign ties in with work undertaken by the Farm Safety Partnership in Northern Ireland, and a more detailed leaflet on the subject can be found at: http://farmsafe.hseni.gov.uk/slurry.htm
