[MPWG] Fwd: PRO-DAIRY e-Alert Re: Bedded Packs and Gypsum

Tue Oct 29 14:19:38 CDT 2013

         ****
     PRO-DAIRY e-Alert:****

*Gypsum Bedding in Bedded Pack Barns May Also Create Dangerous Conditions***
**

 ****
       *Bedded Pack Manure Storages** Can Produce Dangerous Levels of
Manure Gases, Including Hydrogen Sulfide, Especially When Gypsum or Other
Sources of Available Sulfur are used as Bedding ***** *DANGEROUS LEVELS
HAVE BEEN MEASURED!*****

 ****

We are reminding farmers and manure handlers that all stored manure can
produce hazardous gases at levels of concern in some conditions.  Some of
these gases (like hydrogen sulfide [H2S]) are toxic and heavier than air
and therefore are prone to sink to low areas like storage pits, sumps, or
other depressions and accumulate to potentially *LETHAL* levels.****

** **

We also are reporting specifically on concerns we have with possible
increased risk for exposure to high levels of H2S from long-term liquid
manure storages used to store manure from barns where gypsum is used for
cow bedding.   These concerns are based on recent measurements taken by
staff from the Benton fire department and the Yates County Soil and Water
Conservation District (SWCD) where greater than 100 ppm H2S was measured at
the edge of a long-term liquid manure storage structure.  This level is
identified as immediately dangerous according to the US Occupational Safety
and Health Administration (OSHA).

The Yates County measurements are consistent with reports of high levels
measured on at least one Pennsylvania farm where gypsum also was used for
bedding and manure was stored.   Gas concentrations are rapidly diluted
with distance from the storage structure, so there should be little or no
concern during agitation or clean out beyond the immediate farmstead.****

* *

*What’s New?*****

Since last week it has come to our attention that gypsum is also being used
by some New York State farmers as a bedding material *in deep bedded pack
barns*.  Deep bedded pack systems have the same anaerobic (little or no
oxygen) conditions as long-term liquid manure storages – the conditions
needed for the formation of H2S by microbes.

Therefore, the potential for human exposure to high levels of H2S is
possible with bedded pack situations as well as long-term liquid manure
storages.  In fact, the opportunity for a farmer to be exposed to high
levels of H2S may possibly be even higher with bedded packs, especially
during clean-out.  The packs are normally under roof, and enclosed barns
may not provide enough air movement to maintain safe working conditions.****

** **

Late last week, staff from the Benton fire department and Yates County Soil
and Water Conservation District (SWCD) measured more than 100 ppm H2S in a
barn where a deep bedded back was being removed.  Once again, gypsum had
been used as part of the overall bedding material.****

** **

As a reminder, human exposure to hydrogen sulfide levels above 20 ppm can
cause headaches, dizziness, and fatigue.  According to OSHA, a
concentration of 100 ppm H2S is immediately dangerous to life and health
because the symptoms can make it difficult or impossible to escape from a
dangerous situation.  Levels over 100 ppm paralyze the olfactory nerve
(sense of smell) causing the victim to not know they are breathing in the
gas, and exposure at this level for 48 hours may cause death.  At levels
above 500 ppm, staggering and collapse can occur in 5 minutes, death after
30-60 minutes.  Since we are finding random air samples over 100 ppm H2S,
it is possible to have pockets of H2S near or in storage/bedded pack
structures during agitation or clean-out that are at much higher levels.****

* *

*Farmers, family members, workers, and visitors are urged to avoid any and
all manure gases, especially from long- term storages or bedded packs where
gypsum is mixed in with manure in any significant quantities.  Note:  for
operations that daily haul manure and use gypsum for bedding, we expect
little or no production of* *H2S, but care should be taken to minimize
risks here too.*****

** **

When cleaning out a barn’s bedded pack manure:****

   - Make sure no unnecessary people are near the pack, especially at the
   location where the pack is being removed.****
   - If hand clean-out is required using pitchforks, consider wearing a
   belt-mounted personal gas exposure alarm system to alert you if exposure is
   exceeding safe limits.****
   - Open all barn doors, windows, curtains and any other air
   inlets/outlets if the barn is naturally ventilated or turn on the
   mechanical ventilation system to full capacity before beginning the clean
   out process.****
   - Set up large fans and/or blowers around where operators will be
   working to mix air and dilute any gases.****

In conditions where sufficient ventilation cannot be achieved, equipment
operators properly trained on use of a respirator and who are wearing them
should be the only ones working in the barn when clean out is occurring.
In addition to the above, farmers should:****

   - Consider using other materials for bedding until this issue is better
   understood.****
   - Have an emergency plan in place.****
   - Train all family members and employees in the dangers of manure gases.*
   ***

  Authors: ****

   - Tom Eskildsen, Yates SWCD****
   - Nancy Glazier, Cornell CCE****
   - Curt Gooch, Cornell PRO-DAIRY****
   - Karl J. Czymmek, Cornell PRO-DAIRY****

 *Web site:* http://www.manuremanagement.cornell.edu/<http://www.manuremanagement.cornell.edu/Pages/Topics/Safety.html>
Pages/Topics/Safety.html<http://www.manuremanagement.cornell.edu/Pages/Topics/Safety.html>
****

 ****

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 PRO-DAIRY e-leader | Cornell University | 272 Morrison Hall | Ithaca | NY
| 14853 | US | 607.255.4478****
   ------------------------------

[image: Image removed by sender.]****

-- 

The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical
substances: if there is any reaction, both are transformed. - Carl Jung

Marguerite Uhlmann-Bower
Registered Nurse, Herbal Educator, Wild Foods Forager
Herbal Educational Services
Weeds, Leaves, Seeds & Shoots : Balance Your Budget – Steward the Land ™
226 Kelso Rd. / Sanders Lane
East Meredith, (Upstate) NY 13757
*(607) 278-9635*
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