Safety First not Second
With agriculture playing such a vital role in our community, it’s easy to overlook the many factors that contribute to a successful — and safe — farming operation. How often do we stop to consider the responsibilities and dangers that come with working in agriculture?
Farming demands long hours and constant multitasking, often under tight time constraints. Unfortunately, that pressure can lead to dangerous situations. Many farm-related accidents occur when we’re rushed, stressed, or trying to finish a job quickly without taking time to think through the risks. The hazards in agriculture are numerous — from chemical exposure and equipment malfunctions to electrical accidents and manure pit emergencies.
To help reduce these risks, Ashland Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is partnering with the Wayne County and Holmes County SWCDs to host the Conservation Chat: Lagoon Lifeline, a manure pit and electrical safety training for local farmers and first responders.
The free event will take place on Friday, December 6, at 9:00 a.m. at Valley Vista Farm, located at 1567 County Road 175, Jeromesville, Ohio. Advance registration is required at lagoonlifeline.eventbrite.com
Hands-On Manure Pit Safety Training
Ashland SWCD will be joined by the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety (NECAS) from Peosta, Iowa, which will lead the hands-on manure pit safety sessions. NECAS instructors will educate participants about the dangers of manure pit gases such as hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, and methane — all of which can cause unconsciousness within minutes and may be fatal without proper precautions.
NECAS will bring a manure pit simulation trailer, which recreates real-world manure pit scenarios using 150 gallons of water on a 20-foot trailer. During the demonstration, trainers will show the correct use of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) equipment, emphasize the importance of continuous air quality monitoring, and demonstrate rescue tripod operations. First responders participating in the hands-on exercises are asked to bring their own SCBA gear.
Electrical Safety Demonstration
That afternoon, Ashland Soil and Water will partner with Firelands Electric Cooperative to host an electrical line safety presentation. This session will teach farmers and first responders how to handle downed or damaged power lines safely.
Firelands Electric will bring a 25-foot demonstration trailer equipped with live power lines and transformers operating on a 50-amp, 240-volt circuit. Through live demonstrations, participants will see how power outages occur, understand the dangers of improper generator connections, and learn about essential personal protective equipment (PPE). The program will also cover best practices for managing electrical hazards caused by fallen trees, vehicle accidents, and other common emergencies.
Community Support and Acknowledgments
Ashland Soil and Water Conservation District extends its sincere appreciation to all the organizations and businesses making this event possible. Special thanks go to the Holmes County, Wayne County, and Ashland County Farm Bureaus, as well as sponsors Harold’s Equipment, Centerra Co-op, Firelands Electric, Lowe & Young, and Wellington Implement.
For more information about Lagoon Lifeline or to register, visit ashlandswcd.com, call 419-281-7645, or email brennenhart@ashlandswcd.com.