Liquid manure produces hydrogen sulphide which is a life-threatening gas. It is believed that hydrogen sulphide levels may be high when pulling pit plugs and power-washing rooms. Six pig farms were monitored in regard to this hypothesis. All barns that participated in this study had hydrogen sulphide levels that exceeded acceptable limits when doing these activities. Power washing had lower concentrations compared to plug pulling, but the time of exposure was much longer. All swine barn workers should have hydrogen sulphide monitors and training is needed for staff to learn about routine operation and emergency situations creating high hydrogen sulphide.
Hydrogen Sulphide Concentration While Pulling Pit Plugs and Power-Washing Rooms (full article)
