Guides & Toolkits

43 150-008-01-IADO © 2014, Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) 1 877 494 WSPS (9777) | 905 614 1400 | www.wsps.ca tailgate talks – resPiratory Hazards in agricUltUre has a distinct rotten egg smell. It is highly toxic: with exposure at very low concentrations it is a serious irritant; at moderate to higher exposures it is a serious threat to health, even deadly. To decrease hydrogen sulfide leaks, there should be a gas trap between the confinement building and outside storage; airflow should be directed towards the floor to keep dust and gases from entering the breathing zone of the worker. Carbon Dioxide (CO2) – is heavier than air and difficult to detect. It displaces oxygen and acts as an asphyxiant. At moderate concentrations it causes shortness of breath and dizziness with higher concentrations being fatal. It is a by-product of manure decomposition and fermentation. Methane (CH4) – is odourless and lighter than air, so it tends to accumulate at the top of manure pits. It is an asphyxiant at extremely high concentrations. The main hazard is its flammable, explosive nature. Because it is extremely difficult to detect it should be anticipated as being present in all manure storage areas. Farm chemicals Pesticides, fertilizers, and sanitizers are common farm chemicals which produce harmful fumes. Always follow label direction when handling these chemicals. Regularly maintain spraying equipment to avoid rupture/ leaking valves. Personal protective equipment. The selection of specific types of protective equipment depends on the hazard present and the amount of filtering necessary. There are two general types of air-purifying respirators: the chemical cartridge and the mechanical filter. Chemical cartridges protect against certain gases and all but the most toxic vapours. Chemical cartridges that work in conjunction with a specific mechanical filter should be used for protection during spray painting or pesticide application. Do not use chemical cartridge filters when working with gases or vapours that cannot be effectively filtered out by the cartridge. A mechanical filter respirator with toxic dust approval should be used to protect against grain dust and moulds. It should be tightly sealed around the nose and mouth. Do not use a mechanical filter for protection from chemicals or toxic gases. wsps.ca

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