An educational program to reduce risk when entering confined-space manure storages

This paper presents the goals and components of a comprehensive educational program designed to teach participants how to reduce risk of serious injury or death from entering on-farm, confined-space manure storage facilities. The educational program is based upon manure storage ventilation research and a manure storage ventilation standard which are summarized in this paper. The educational program objectives include: (a) identification of confined-space manure storage hazards, (b) effective mitigation of toxic gas hazards through forced air ventilation, (c) use and maintenance of gas monitoring equipment, and (d) recommended procedures for planned and emergency entry. Fact sheets, pamphlets, demonstrations, lecture presentations and interactive web-based training materials are being developed. These materials and presentations are primarily based upon the proposed X607 ASABE standard. This proposed standard outlines specific requirements for the design of confined-space manure storage ventilation systems. Delivery of the educational program will include presentations for a variety of audience groups including farm families, operators of confined-space manure storage systems, agricultural educators and agricultural emergency service providers. Technical design and construction details will be presented to designers, manufactures, and regulatory personnel. The educational program will deliver important safety information and research results in an attempt to decrease risks associated with entering confined-space manure storage facilities.