Gases in agricultural slurry stores.

The evolution of gases during the handling of animal slurry was investigated at five sites. Particular attention was paid to the mixing and emptying operations since it is when performing these that personnel are most likely to be at risk of exposure. The main hazard was found to be high transient concentrations of hydrogen sulphide presenting in some cases a serious acute toxicity problem. Time-weighted average exposures did not generally indicate any long-term exposure risk. Other features noted were the evolution of ammonia and methane, although not at high levels, and some increase in the carbon dioxide concentration. Some reduction in oxygen concentration was measured, but generally the risk of poisoning by hydrogen sulphide was more serious than the risk of asphyxiation.