Hydrogen sulfide monitor education for use in agricultural operations

Abstract

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a gas commonly produced in manure pits. When the manure is disturbed through manure handling activities such as pressure washing, agitating, and pumping out manure, H2S is released. During these activities H2S concentrations increase quickly and reach hazardous concentrations. Many fatalities from high H2S concentrations during manure handling activities have been reported internationally as well as in the Midwest. Occupations in general industry that have identified the potential for high H2S concentrations use monitors to warn worker of high H2S concentrations. However, in agriculture the adoption of H2S monitors is low. To encourage farmers to adopt H2S monitors, interactive training materials were created. Displays were deployed to locations that farmers frequent such as agricultural stores, extension offices, and cooperatives. Agricultural stores are defined here as locations that sell agricultural supplies wholesale, or retail, and services. These displays vii TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF TABLES .