WATERTOWN, New York (WWNY) – After two men near Utica died while working around liquid manure, we learn how dangerous the gases are and what can be done to prevent future accidents.
“Terrible thing that happened. No one wants that to happen on their farm,” said Dillon Murrock, who owns Murrock Farms in the town of Pamelia.
Last Thursday in Clinton, New York, 29-year-old Tyler Memory and 33-year-old Nate Doody were found unconscious after falling into a manure tanker. One of the men tried to retrieve a piece of equipment that had fallen into the tanker, police said.
“He passed out and fell inside of the tanker,” the second man also passed out and fell in as he tried to help, police said.
They were later pronounced dead.
“Unfortunately, we get a lot of situations like this where it’s not just one fatality in these manure storage incidents. It can be multiple,” said Mike Hunter with Cornell Cooperative Extension.
Hunter, who also serves as Plessis’ fire chief, says the culprit was likely hydrogen sulfite, a highly toxic gas released by manure.
“Once levels approach 600-plus parts per million, loss of consciousness and death are within minutes,” he said.
If you see anyone fall into a manure tank, Hunter’s main tip is to call 911 since there’s no way to safely rescue them without a breathing apparatus.
“It’s really hard to see that and walk away knowing you just have to call 911,” he said.
In addition to increased training, Hunter recommends using single gas meters. It’s a simple device that can detect individual gasses like hydrogen sulfide and warn its wearer of high concentrations.
“There’s probably not many farms that equip their workers with those but it’s a good thing to have because really to do that or work around those we have to measure that gas,” he said.
For those interested in learning more about manure safety, the North American Manure Expo will be held next month in Auburn, New York.