Providing Testing Services to Identify Hazardous Gas in Confined Spaces

The recent tragedies of three brothers who were overcome by toxic gas while repairing a manure pump on a farm in Ohio are a reminder of the dangers associated with manure pits found on livestock farms and ranches across the country. Sadly, cases like this happen all too often.

In response to these types of cases, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has published an Alert to share information with the goal of preventing future tragedies. In it, NIOSH reports that manure undergoes anaerobic digestive fermentation in a manure pit. This digestive process can generate four potentially dangerous gases:

• Methane
• Hydrogen sulfide
• Carbon dioxide
• Ammonia

The accumulation of these gases within the confined space of the manure pit can produce an oxygen-deficient, toxic, and/or explosive environment. Unfortunately, many farmworkers appear to be unaware of the immediate danger posed by entry into a manure pit according to NIOSH. Like other types of confined spaces, manure pits present special problems regarding worker awareness of hazards and the fact that dangerous atmospheric conditions may exist, sometimes intermittently.

“Workers that have to enter any type confined space need to be properly trained and equipped with the correct personal protective equipment and gas monitoring equipment to prevent tragedies like the event that occurred in Ohio,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “At EMSL, we provide comprehensive air testing services and gas monitoring equipment to identify these types of hazards. We also offer a full range of respirators and other PPE that can be essential in assisting with the health and safety of workers in the many industries that deal with confined spaces.”

EMSL has also sponsored an educational video about hydrogen sulfide and exposure concerns that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/oiVAOrvDKvQ.

To learn more about air quality testing services, monitoring instruments, or personal protective equipment, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675, or email  info@EMSL.com .


About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products, and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA-LAP, LLC (AIHA-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP, and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail