Farm safety - confined spaces

Any confined space on a farm poses a particular danger, because the threat may not be apparent until it’s too late. Silos, vats, tanks, wells, manure pits and other enclosed or partly enclosed structures can suffocate a person with vapours, dust or low oxygen levels. Tragically, rescuers coming to the aid of someone who has collapsed inside a confined space are usually overcome too. It is not unusual for numerous members of the same family to be killed in a single confined space accident.

The dangers of confined spaces
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 fertiliser collapses. The safest approach with any confined space is to avoid going in there. In many instances, tasks such as cleaning can be achieved using other means, such as external pumps. If it is necessary for someone to go inside the confined space, consider hiring a contractor who is trained and experienced. If you have no other option but to go inside the confined space yourself, it is vital to take all the safety precautions you can. Talk to the Victorian WorkCover Authority first for valuable and potentially life saving advice.

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 devise ways to clean the pit from the outside.
• Keep ignition sources well away from the pit, as methane and hydrogen sulphide are flammable.
• If you must go inside the pit, wear self-contained breathing apparatus or an air line respirator.

• Use a drier feed so you don’t have to unblock the auger discharge, or find ways to mix the feed so that it won’t 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 safety line or harness and switch off mechanical devices like the auger.
• Don’t work alone.

• Cover or fence entrances securely and post warning signs.
• Warn children of the dangers.
• Make wells and underground tunnels strictly out-of-bounds as play areas.

• Put a lid on the tank so animals and debris can’t 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
• Don’t use petrol-powered pumps inside the tank
• Hire a professional.

• Seek advice from the Victorian WorkCover Authority on how to safely deal with the confined spaces on your farm.
• Ensure 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 next to the telephone.
• Plan routes to the nearest hospital.
• Regularly talk through your emergency plan with your family.
• Make sure your children understand what to do.

• Your doctor
• Victorian WorkCover Authority Tel. (03) 9641 1555
• Victorian Farm Safety Alliance Tel (03) 9207 5513
• Victorian Farm Safety Training Centre Tel. (03) 5334 3510
• In an emergency, always call 000 for an ambulance.

• Enclosed or partly enclosed structures on farms such as silos or manure pits can suffocate a person with vapours, dust or low oxygen levels.
• Without a proper rescue plan and safety equipment, rescuers coming to the aid of someone who has collapsed inside a confined space are usually overcome too.
• The safest approach with any confined space is to avoid going in there.

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