Two workers entered this manure spreader’s tank to rescue a third worker.
They would come perilously close to tragedy.
Liquid manure spreaders are used on farms to fertilize fields.
They can also pose a serious hazard.
What makes entering a manure tank so dangerous is that the fermentation of manure can produce
toxic gases, and an atmosphere so low in oxygen there’s not enough to breathe.
Just one breath can make you lose consciousness.
A manure spreader’s tank is considered a confined space,
which is an enclosed or partially enclosed area that is big enough for a worker to enter.
Confined spaces are not designed for someone to work in regularly,
but entry may be needed for inspection, cleaning, maintenance, or repair.
A small opening, or obstructions inside, can make entry and exit, as well as rescue, difficult.
In the incident, while a manure spreader was being filled with liquid manure,
the rubber discharge hose at the end of the loading pipe fell into the tank.
Since the hose might damage the pump inside the tank,
Worker 1 drained the manure from the tank through a drain hatch.
He tried but was unable to retrieve the hose through the hatch.
Worker 1 told Worker 2 that he was going to “fish the piece out.”
Worker 1 climbed inside the tank and made his way to the front,
where he found the hose and then threw it toward the back.
While attempting to exit the tank, he lost consciousness.
Minutes later, Worker 2 noticed Worker 1’s spreader had not moved.
He looked for Worker 1,
and from the top of the spreader he heard “muffling and gurgling” sounds inside the tank.
Worker 2 took a couple of deep breaths and entered the tank.
Unable to get past a baffle inside, he exited the tank.
Worker 3 arrived and saw Worker 2 waving for help.
Worker 2 re-entered the tank, followed by Worker 3.
They pulled Worker 1 toward the opening and with the help of a fourth worker and the use of a rope,
out of the tank.
The workers made it out alive.
But time and again, untrained and unprepared workers who have entered confined spaces,
along with their would-be rescuers, have perished.
For a confined space like a manure tank, testing the air,
ventilating the space, and having a rescue plan can make the difference between living or dying.
Workers must not be allowed to enter confined spaces
unless proper training, equipment, and procedures are in place.
Several factors contributed to this incident, including:
One. The manufacturer’s instructions not to enter the tank weren’t followed.
The employer didn’t make the spreader’s instruction manual,
which indicated the dangers of entering the tank,
readily available to workers
and didn’t ensure Worker 1 was familiar with the instructions.
Two. The employer failed to adequately train and instruct Worker 1 in regard to confined spaces
and didn’t have a confined space entry program, which is required before workers
can perform work in a confined space.
Three. Workplace health and safety management was inadequate.
The employer failed to conduct regular safety meetings and inspections,
and didn’t have a first aid attendant at the worksite.
Confined spaces can be deadly spaces. Too many farm workers have lost their lives in them.
Identify confined spaces in your workplace.
Know the hazards as well as the procedures to keep safe.