Personnel Safety
Fall can be a busy time for dragline application workers, and that comes with an increase in health and safety risks. A major factor in operational safety in manure application is knowing what could go wrong and how to mitigate those risks. Various causes can lead to minor incidents or, at worst, a disabling injury. There are a few things you can do to keep risks of accidents low.
Dressing for the Job
Dressing for the job is an easy way to mitigate safety risks on the job. Personal protective equipment on the job includes the proper attire. Employees should be dressing for the environment they are working in. Gloves and boots in the field can prevent minor scratches, cuts, and bruising. Covering eyes and ears can help protect employees’ long term health against the equipment they are running on the job. These precautions are common for any field or laborious job, but special personal protective equipment can be needed for manure application.
On large fields with multiple engines and running trucks and tractors, it’s important to have clear visibility of your team. Communication and reflective vests help make others aware that you’re there. Uniforms for employees should stand out from the ground and be clearly visible in the field.
Protect Yourself Against H2S Exposure
In barns, particularly for swine, a hydrogen sulfide (H2S) monitoring system is highly recommended to improve safety. Hydrogen sulfide is a colorless, highly toxic gas that is produced naturally by the breakdown of organic matter. Hydrogen sulfide levels have many effects on humans, and can eventually lead to coma or death if levels get too high.
An H2S monitoring system is small and portable to alert when levels become unsafe, but if you do not have one on hand, there are signs to watch for. If the H2S concentration is between 20 and 50 ppm, the pigs will be nervous and have a fear of light. They may also have a lack of appetite. By the time it has reached this stage, it has already become a moderate level of hydrogen sulfide for humans. Headache, nausea, dizziness, and difficulty breathing may begin to show in employees, and it is time to leave the enclosed space. To protect against harmful dust, odors and ammonia, a proper face mask or respirator can help.
Personnel safety ultimately comes down to the individual to take seriously, but the manager or owner can facilitate these best practices by supplying personal protective equipment. Ear plugs and a bright work shirt are small differences that can help ensure every crew member is healthy in the future. Find an upcoming Pump School date to learn more about personnel safety, operation efficiency, and to talk with our experts and other applicators.
