How many people die from slurry?

Spreading slurry is one of the most dangerous tasks on a farm. From 2008-2017, 210 people died on Irish farms and 10% – 20 people – of these deaths occurred by drowning or gas poisoning. According to the Health and Safety Authority (HSA), drowning is the most common cause of death involving slurry.

Are slurry tanks dangerous?

The two risks when working with slurry are the risk of drowning in slurry tanks and the risk of asphyxiation by toxic gases released from slurry in storage. Drowning in slurry and water, and asphyxiation (gas poisoning), caused 14% of farm deaths between 2000 and 2009.

Can slurry kill you?

Slurry Gas can kill It also causes difficulty in breathing, then disorientation. Collapse and death can occur after only a few breaths. Drowning has also occurred where people have fallen through openings into tanks. Slurry gas is because it displaces air from your lungs and also affects the nervous system.

What happens if you fall in a slurry tank?

Gases are produced by bacteria during the decomposition of slurry, and these can kill people and animals almost instantly. Heavier than air, the gas settles in a cloud over the top of the slurry during mixing. Bending down into the gas cloud even briefly can cause unconsciousness.

Why is slurry so dangerous?

Slurry is broken down by bacterial action which produces gases. Slurry gas includes methane, carbon monoxide, ammonia and hydrogen sulphide, all of which can create a risk to human and animal health. Some gases are flammable, others are toxic and some will displace oxygen from the air, causing a risk of asphyxiation.

Is slurry good for your lungs?

High levels can be released when slurry is agitated. The HSA warns that one breath or lung-full of hydrogen sulphide at this high level will cause instant death.

What is slurry used for on a farm?

A slurry pit, also known as a farm slurry pit, slurry tank, slurry lagoon or slurry store, is a hole, dam, or circular concrete structure where farmers gather all their animal waste together with other unusable organic matter, such as hay and water run off from washing down dairies, stables, and barns, in order to …

What is the last day for spreading slurry?

Slurry spreading deadline looming 09 October 2020 Premium. The last day for spreading slurry in ROI is Wednesday 14 October, while farmers in Northern Ireland have an extra day, with the prohibited slurry spreading period commencing on 16 October.

Is slurry bad for soil?

Slurry is fully of valuable nutrients but can damage our environment if not managed correctly. For example, Phosphorus within the slurry can be washed into waterbodies causing eutrophication or nitrogen can be lost through gaseous emissions.

Is slurry a waste?

Slurry is technically classes as a hazardous waste, so you need a licensed waster carrier to collect it and properly dispose of it.