Danger! Fumes!

When a mask is needed:
corn pollen, grain dust, pet dander and mold

• Dust & mist particles carry fungi, bacteria and pollen. Dust & mist masks protect against inhaling allergens, bacteria & funguses. Wear a NIOSH APPROVED TWO STRAP DUST-MIST MASK in dusty or misty spaces to prevent respiratory illness or sinus damage.
• Untreated asthma becomes chronic lung disease! Consult a physician if you’ve been wheezing.
• Have a pulmonary function test done. It will show if you have chronic compromise.
• Have allergies treated before they do chronic damage to your respiratory tract or sinuses.

When a mask is not enough:
confinements, manure pits and silo gases

• Confinements may be filled with toxic fumes that are often undetectable at high levels.
• Carbon monoxide levels rise when power devices run by fuel are used in confined spaces. Carbon monoxide is odorless. Carbon dioxide monitors are needed when using a fuel propelled pressure device in closed quarters. Monitors are sold in most general household stores.
• Agitating manure causes ammonia & hydrogen sulfide fumes to rise rapidly. These fumes can be lethal but still undetectable by smell. This is usually the cause of rapid asphyxiation in confinements.
• It is crucial to wear a (S.C.B.A.) Self Contained Breathing Apparatus, and to carry an attached rescue rope into any confinement space for rescue purposes. Rescuers should be trained!

Wear a Self Contained Breathing Apparatus:

• when C.O, H2S or NH3 levels are high (Don’t count on sense of smell to discern this)
• if you plan to use fuel powered devices in a confinement. (Carbon monoxide will build)
• if you will be disturbing manure sludge. Don’t ever allow children near manure pits!
• when you enter a Silo. Ventilate headspaces 30 minutes before entering.
• It is unsafe to enter the headspace or unloading chute of a silo for 3 weeks after filling it.
• NH3, H2S & CO levels should be tested routinely in confinements.
• Monitors & indicator tubes can be ordered from Gemplers (800-382-8473).

Gemplers Tailgate Training Safety Manual (1998)
Common Respiratory Illnesses in Agriculture / Choosing the Right Respirator