Farm safety - confined spaces

Any confined space on a farm is a potentially life-threatening hazard, because the danger may not be obvious until it is too late. Silos, vats, tanks, wells, manure pits and other enclosed or partly enclosed structures can suffocate a person with vapors, toxic gases, dust or low oxygen levels.

Inexperienced or untrained rescuers who come to the aid of someone who has collapsed inside a confined space are usually exposed to the same risk. It is not unusual for several members of the same family to be killed in a single confined-space accident. Harmful fumes and low-oxygen atmospheres are common in many confined spaces on farms, and there is also the risk of suffocation inside a silo if stored grain or fertilizer collapses.

The safest approach#

The safest approach to any confined space is to avoid going in. In many cases, tasks such as cleaning or maintenance can be done by other means that do not require entry.

If someone does have to go inside, consider hiring a contractor who is trained and experienced. If you have no other option but to go in yourself, take every safety precaution you can. Do not work alone, and make sure another person knows what you are planning to do. Seek advice from your local workplace safety authority for valuable, potentially life-saving guidance.

Almost any room or garage without adequate ventilation can become a confined space, for example when a generator is used for power indoors or a petrol or diesel engine is run in an enclosed garage.

Silos#

A person can be buried and asphyxiated (suffocated) by falling feed, grain or fertilizer inside a silo. Safety suggestions include:

• Use a drier feed so you do not have to unblock the auger discharge, or find ways to mix the feed so it will not crust.
• Clear blockages from the outside through a hatch.
• Fit vibration systems or turbulence valves.
• Prevent moisture getting in and caking the feed by fitting and maintaining seals.
• If you have to go inside, use a strong safety line and harness and switch off mechanical devices such as the auger.
• Always work with someone else when doing this, and never enter a silo while working alone.

Remember that dusts and fumes can make asthma worse, so wear the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE).

Vats#

Safety suggestions for vats include:

• Be sure there are no harmful substances inside.
• Turn off the power to the vat before entry.
• Always have a responsible second person on site who can see inside and is able to carry out a rescue.

Underground tunnels and wells#

Children can be drawn to wells and tunnels as interesting places to play. Safety suggestions include:

• Cover or fence entrances securely and post warning signs.
• Warn children of the dangers and make wells and underground tunnels strictly out of bounds for play.
• Avoid entering tunnels and wells.

Water tanks#

Keep out of water tanks by finding other ways to empty, repair and clean them. Safety suggestions include:

• Put a lid on the tank so animals and debris cannot fall in.
• Fit an external pump or an automated self-cleaning system.
• Install taps in above-ground tanks.
• Try cleaning out the tank from the outside using high-pressure hoses.
• Never use petrol-powered pumps inside the tank.
• Hire a professional when required.

Generators and petrol or diesel motors#

Using a generator for power in an area without ventilation puts you at risk of asphyxiation from fumes. Generators should always be located outdoors to prevent serious consequences from carbon monoxide. When running any diesel or petrol motors, such as vehicles, tractors or generators, always ensure adequate ventilation.

Sewers and manure pits#

Gases such as methane and hydrogen sulphide can build up inside manure pits and displace the oxygen. Safety suggestions include:

• Cover pits securely and post warning signs.
• Include natural or mechanical ventilation in the pit’s design.
• Try to find ways to clean the pit from the outside.
• Keep ignition sources such as sparks or flames well away, as methane and hydrogen sulphide are flammable.
• If you must go inside, wear self-contained breathing apparatus or an airline respirator, or, better still, get a trained contractor to do the work.

Rescue attempts can be fatal#

Our first impulse when we see a person in danger is to help. However, entering a confined space with dangerous fumes or low oxygen can overcome and kill the rescuers too. Never attempt a rescue unless you have a proper rescue plan and the right safety equipment, such as breathing apparatus. Otherwise, call on emergency services personnel, who are professionally trained and equipped.

Draw up a farm emergency plan#

An emergency plan for the whole family and farm is vital. Some suggestions include:

• Make sure there is easy access to a suitable first aid kit.
• Make sure at least one person on the farm is trained in first aid.
• Keep emergency numbers and correct addresses next to the telephone.
• Plan routes to the nearest hospital that has an emergency department.
• Regularly talk through your emergency plan with your family and other workers.
• Make sure your children understand what to do in an emergency.

Key points#

• The threat from a confined space may not be apparent until it is too late.
• Harmful fumes or low-oxygen atmospheres are common in many confined spaces on farms.
• There is also the risk of suffocation inside a silo if stored grain or fertilizer collapses.
• Prevent moisture getting in and caking the feed by fitting and maintaining seals.
• Using a generator for power in an area without any ventilation puts you at risk of asphyxiation from fumes.

Where to get help#