--- title: "Manure Pit Safety: Hazard Gas Awareness" description: Now is a great time to assess manure pit dangers. A monitoring plan should be in place to safely evaluate air quality prior to entering manure storage. image: https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/hubfs/Manure_Pit_2.jpg --- - [Twitter](https://twitter.com/GoodDaysWorkAg) - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/gooddayswork) [844-GDW-SAFE](tel:+18444397233) [![Good-Days-Work-Logo-300x191](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/hubfs/images/Good-Days-Work-Logo-300x191.png)](http://gooddayswork.ag/) Safer Times: The Good Day's Work Blog # Manure Pit Safety: Hazard Gas Awareness Posted by [Good Day's Work](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/author/good-days-work) on Sep 8, 2016 ![](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/hubfs/images/Good-Days-Work-Logo-300x191.png) Find me on: [Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/pages/Good-Days-Work/298673066998143) [Twitter ](https://twitter.com/GoodDaysWorkAg) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Now is a great time to assess manure pit dangers and bone up on identifying hazardous gases as fall approaches. Many deaths happen late summer and fall when crops come off and producers are emptying pits. Everyone who works in or around manure storage *(tanks, pits & lagoons)* should understand manure gas hazards.   A good resource for information is the **Great Plains Center for Agriculture Health fact sheets** at [www.gpcah.org](http://www.gpcah.org). ![Manure_Pit_2.jpg](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/hs-fs/hubfs/Manure_Pit_2.jpg?width=796&height=389&name=Manure_Pit_2.jpg) The four main gases produced from decomposing manure are; hydrogen sulfide, methane, ammonia and carbon dioxide. When pits are agitated for pumping, some or all of these gases are rapidly released from the manure and may reach toxic levels or displace oxygen, increasing the risk to humans and livestock.  **Pits Are Unpredictable!  **You may have been safe in the past working around your pits, but factors such as stage of manure decomposition, wind conditions or other issues can change and create an environment for the pit to release deadly concentrations of toxic gases. Because gases may not be detected by smell, especially at high concentrations, treat a manure pit as if it is a death trap. A **“monitoring plan”** should be in place to safely evaluate the air quality prior to entering manure storage.  Remember, manure pits are confined spaces and the protocols for entering a confined space must be followed. **Hydrogen Sulfide (H₂S) Methane (CH₄)  **People cannot smell hazardous concentrations of hydrogen sulfide and methane, but concentrations may be high enough to decrease oxygen and paralyze breathing. Monitors for measuring gas concentrations are available and should be used prior to entry into any manure storage area. The best monitor is a multi-gas monitor with sensors for oxygen, hydrogen sulfide, methane or explosion. These monitors are relatively inexpensive and can save the life of you, a family member, or an employee. **Summary:** Every year people die due to carelessness while handling manure and working around manure storage areas.  Too often family members are lost because they try to rescue someone that has been overcome by these dangerous gasses.       1.  Be prepared and thoroughly understand the dangers of these gases.      2.  Train anyone who works around manure storage areas.      3.  Do not enter manure storage areas without running mechanical ventilation during pumping and                 constantly measuring gas concentrations—even if you never go into the building or storage area. The **GPCAH** publications mentioned earlier are a great place to start to learn about each of the gases, their hazards, developing a plan, as well as monitoring information. Links are also provided for more extensive information.  [![Good Day's Work Free Demo](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/497427/681c6e32-fbe0-4f6b-a1cf-fb8fb7f903ba.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/497427/681c6e32-fbe0-4f6b-a1cf-fb8fb7f903ba) Topics: [hazard communication](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/hazard-communication), [manure pit](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/manure-pit) Search this site on Google Search Google ### Subscribe to Email Updates ### Recent Posts ### Posts by Topic - [agriculture (60)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/agriculture) - [OSHA law & compliance (35)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/osha-law-compliance) - [Tools (32)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/tools) - [safety training program (31)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/safety-training-program) - [farm (26)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/farm) - [safety culture (24)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/safety-culture) - [personal protective equipment (PPE) (21)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/personal-protective-equipment-ppe) - [hazard communication (20)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/hazard-communication) - [fire (12)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/fire) - [harvest (12)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/harvest) - [chemicals (11)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/chemicals) - [grain bins (10)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/grain-bins) - [tractors (10)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/tractors) - [air/respiratory (9)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/air-respiratory) - [slips/trips/falls (9)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/slips-trips-falls) - [productivity / goals / motivation (8)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/productivity-goals-motivation) - [safety director (8)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/safety-director) - [seasonal (8)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/seasonal) - [OSHA inspections & violations (7)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/osha-inspections-violations) - [combines (7)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/combines) - [confined spaces (7)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/confined-spaces) - [insurance/ risk management (7)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/insurance-risk-management) - [lockout-tagout (LOTO) (7)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/lockout-tagout-loto) - [machine guarding (PTOs/augers) (7)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/machine-guarding-ptos-augers) - [emergency action plan (6)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/emergency-action-plan) - [events & activities (6)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/events-activities) - [hazard analysis (6)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/hazard-analysis) - [manure pit (6)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/manure-pit) - [anhydrous ammonia (5)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/anhydrous-ammonia) - [driving (5)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/driving) - [Grain Bin Entry (4)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/grain-bin-entry) - [electrical (4)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/electrical) - [first aid (4)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/first-aid) - [heat stress (4)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/heat-stress) - [Checking Grain Bins (3)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/checking-grain-bins) - [Fire Safety (3)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/fire-safety) - [OSHA exemption (3)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/osha-exemption) - [ROPS (3)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/rops) - [chainsaw (3)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/chainsaw) - [climbing & falling from heights (3)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/climbing-falling-from-heights) - [fatigue/sleep (3)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/fatigue-sleep) - [hazardous waste (3)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/hazardous-waste) - [livestock & animals (3)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/livestock-animals) - [pharmaceutical handling (3)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/pharmaceutical-handling) - [rollover (ROPS) (3)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/rollover-rops) - [special cases (3)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/special-cases) - [ATV (2)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/atv) - [Fire Preparedness Checklist  (2)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/fire-preparedness-checklist) - [carbon monoxide (2)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/carbon-monoxide) - [dust explosions (2)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/dust-explosions) - [extracting stuck equipment (2)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/extracting-stuck-equipment) - [grain bin safety (2)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/grain-bin-safety) - [grain quality (2)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/grain-quality) - [grain storage (2)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/grain-storage) - [powered industrial trucks (2)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/powered-industrial-trucks) - [respiratory protection (2)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/respiratory-protection) - [worker protection standard (wps) (2)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/worker-protection-standard-wps) - [AgriBot (1)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/agribot) - [Battery Safety (1)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/battery-safety) - [CO2 Monitor (1)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/co2-monitor) - [COVID-19 (1)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/covid-19) - [Carbon Dioxide Monitor (1)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/carbon-dioxide-monitor) - [Combine Fire Checklist (1)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/combine-fire-checklist) - [Combine Fire Prevention (1)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/combine-fire-prevention) - [Common Dangers in Agriculture (1)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/common-dangers-in-agriculture) - [Confined Space Permit (1)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/confined-space-permit) - [Coring Bins (1)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/coring-bins) - [Distracted (1)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/distracted) - [Electrical Safety (1)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/electrical-safety) - [Engagement (1)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/engagement) - [Eye protection (1)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/eye-protection) - [Fall Harvest (1)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/fall-harvest) - [Fire Extinguisher (1)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/fire-extinguisher) - [Fire Prevention Week (1)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/fire-prevention-week) - [Grain Handling (1)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/grain-handling) - [Hand Protection (1)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/hand-protection) - [Harvest Safety (1)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/harvest-safety) - [Hearing Protection (1)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/hearing-protection) - [Ladder Safety (1)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/ladder-safety) - [Maintenance and Cleaning (1)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/maintenance-and-cleaning) - [N95 disposable respirator (1)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/n95-disposable-respirator) - [Operator Responsibility (1)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/operator-responsibility) - [PAPR (1)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/papr) - [PPE Inventory (1)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/ppe-inventory) - [Permit-Required Confines Space Permit (1)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/permit-required-confines-space-permit) - [Poor quality grain (1)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/poor-quality-grain) - [ROV (1)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/rov) - [Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle (1)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/recreational-off-highway-vehicle) - [Rollover Protective Structures (1)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/rollover-protective-structures) - [Safety (1)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/safety) - [Safety Hazards (1)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/safety-hazards) - [Safety Talk (1)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/safety-talk) - [Smell Test (1)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/smell-test) - [Spotters (1)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/spotters) - [Tips (1)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/tips) - [Tractor Safety (1)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/tractor-safety) - [Tractor Safety Tips (1)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/tractor-safety-tips) - [UTV (1)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/utv) - [Utility Task Vehicle (1)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/utility-task-vehicle) - [Would you watch our for my safety (1)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/would-you-watch-our-for-my-safety) - [bloodborne pathogens (1)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/bloodborne-pathogens) - [checklist (1)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/checklist) - [commitment to safety (1)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/commitment-to-safety) - [coring (1)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/coring) - [dual cartridge respirator (1)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/dual-cartridge-respirator) - [falls from grain bins (1)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/falls-from-grain-bins) - [farm safety checklist (1)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/farm-safety-checklist) - [half mask respirator (1)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/half-mask-respirator) - [hazard recognition (1)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/hazard-recognition) - [hazards (1)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/hazards) - [incident investigations (1)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/incident-investigations) - [non-mandated respiratory protection (1)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/non-mandated-respiratory-protection) - [powered air purifying respirator (1)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/powered-air-purifying-respirator) - [respirable dust (1)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/respirable-dust) - [respirators (1)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/respirators) - [stored grain (1)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/stored-grain) - [trusted advisor (1)](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/topic/trusted-advisor) [see all](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog/manure-pit-safety-hazard-gas-awareness#) ### Follow Me 5665 N. Springboro Rd Brookston  IN  47923 Toll Free: **844-439-7233** [info@GoodDaysWork.ag](mailto:info@GoodDaysWork.ag) [![osha-logo](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/hubfs/images/osha-logo-300x98.png)](https://www.osha.gov/law-regs.html) ![](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/hs-fs/hubfs/images/gdw-logo-stacked-300x192.png?width=155&name=gdw-logo-stacked-300x192.png "gdw-logo-stacked-300x192.png") - [Good Days Work](http://gooddayswork.ag) - [you](http://gooddayswork.ag/agriculture-safety-you/) - [us](http://gooddayswork.ag/agriculture-safety-training-us/) - [how it works](http://gooddayswork.ag/agriculture-safety-training-how-it-works/) - [classes](http://gooddayswork.ag/farm-safety-training-classes/) - [resources](http://gooddayswork.ag/agriculture-safety-training-valuable-resources/) - [blog](https://blog.gooddayswork.ag/blog) - [privacy policy](http://gooddayswork.ag/privacy-policy) - [terms & conditions](http://gooddayswork.ag/terms-of-use) © 2017 Good Day's Work, LLC