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The Rural Voice, 1982-07, Page 26FARM ADVICE Take precautions working around your silo "As fresh forage ferments, dangerous gases are produced in silos," explains John Turnbull, director of the Canada Plan Service at Agriculture Canada's Engineering and Statistical Research Institute in Ottawa. "Among the gases produced are carbon dioxide and oxides of nitrogen." Carbon dioxide is produced under normal ensiling processes. Nitrogen diox- ide can be produced under unusual conditions such as excessive use of fertilizer, silage made too wet or abnormal weather changes that affect crop growth rate. These gases are heavier than air and form a dangerous layer at the lowest point in the silo above the silage. They can also spill over into the silo chute and connecting feed room if these are not properly ventilated. "Anyone entering a silo or feed room where any of these gases are present could quickly be poisoned," Mr. Turnbull says. Nitrogen dioxide can cause serious lung damage even if death does not occur. "Because of these dangers. it is important that farmers take proper precautions when working in and around their silos," Mr. Turnbull says. Ideally, air in a silo should be tested for carbon dioxide, nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide using equipment certified by the United States National Institute of Occu- pational Safety and Health. "These approved detectors are avail- able to farmers through safety supply firms. They have, however, only been tested under conditions of natural air 'spiked' with a single dangerous gas. and an unventilated silo does not conform to these conditions." Mr. Turnbull says. "Therefore, readings must be taken with a grain of salt." Another problem is that a farmer would have to enter the silo to take the measurement properly. Makeshift, long extension tubes affect readings and are. therefore, not recommended. "Ventilation is important and farmers should be mindful of potential problems." Mr. Turnbull says. "Keep the blower on at all times when entering a filled silo. There is always a threat of gas and associated lung damage. Above all, never assume there is rio gas in your silo even if the chute openings have been left open." If the silage is 30 feet or more below the gooseneck of the forage blower pipe, the blower cannot ventilate the silo properly. Also. a silage distributor or silo unloader suspended in the top of the silo can interfere with the air -blast, reducing the effectiveness of the blower as a ventilator. Research is continuing on the develop- ment of both a portable vacuum fan for use in silos and other places where dangerous gases might occur, and of approved long extension tubes for gas detectors. "Until these have been developed, farmers will have to continue to use their own on-farm common sense," Mr. Turn- bull says. "Perhaps the best method available to farmers is lowering a live mouse in a cage down onto the lowest part of the silage for a minimum of five minutes. Then pull it back up for close inspection. "Safety comes first, particularly around the silo and farmers should keep this in mind during Farm Safety Week and the balance of the harvest." FARM SAFETY WEEK July 25th - July 31st 1S�►S7s0sfi�s�s�i�+fr�� a ► s�� ♦ t fv� Wish you 11(1(1 put (1f Swimming Pool in last Spring? Wouldn't It be nice at the end of a hot day in the fields to be able to jump into your own pool? Call John Middegaal for a free estimate. He has pools In shapes and sizes to fit any budget — Including yours 'Iota for farmers: Liquid chlorine available $9.95 for 20 litres in our containers. Middegaal 144110.iimmommlimmigio 234 Main St. N., Seaforth 527-0104 o�S�tt4E LOCK Nro in flit h11MAI V0Ir,k1,1111 Y 10"