Sheila James, farm safety field person for eastern Ontario says the increased number of days to store liquid manure have made the dangers of manure gas more of a problem. Bill 81 requires 240 days storage capacity and winter spreading has been virtually eliminated.

Manure in a confined space, James says, increases the possibility of poisoning that can lead to sickness or death.

Three years ago in Drayton, Ontario, three people died from manure gasses. The Farm Safety Association has come up with both a book and a CD on detecting and controlling manure gas.

The Fact Sheet says that gasses are present in a barn at low levels throughout the year, but some systems are more dangerous. Below ground storage is more dangerous than above ground pits. So are slatted floors, or systems with covered lids.

Faulty ventilation is also a problem, and allows animal deaths by asphyxiation along with respiratory problems.

When you began to smell rotten eggs ( hydrogen sulphide) in your barn, you’re in danger. At low levels hydrogen sulphide irritates the eyes, moderate levels causes nausea and dizziness. At higher concentrations, the smell is no longer discernible. But that means you’re at the end of the line.

Among other things, Farm Safety recommends that people not be allowed into the barn when manure is being pumped or agitated.

To keep animals healthy on a slatted floor, keep one foot between the slats and the manure level. Above all, do not enter a manure storage pit without a self-contained breathing unit and a backup crew with a lifeline.