Rescue Talk™
Six Fatalities in a Confined Space
A tragic incident at Prospect Valley Dairy in Keenesburg, Colorado, claimed the lives of six individuals, including a 17-year-old high school student, on August 20. According to the Wisconsin State Farmer, the deaths likely resulted from hydrogen sulfide exposure in an underground manure pit, a confined space. A contractor working on the pit reportedly adjusted a valve, inadvertently releasing the toxic gas. One worker collapsed, and five others, including a father and his two sons, entered the area in a rescue attempt despite a supervisor’s warning, leading to their deaths.
Hydrogen sulfide, known for its rotten egg odor, is extremely dangerous. “At 15-20 ppm, it causes irritation; above 150 ppm, it paralyzes the sense of smell; and at 500+ ppm, it can cause unconsciousness and death within minutes“, explains John Shutske, a professor and agricultural safety specialist at UW-Madison. Agriculture, with a fatality rate over eight times the all-industry average, accounts for 4% of Wisconsin’s farm deaths due to manure gas and confined spaces, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Shutske emphasizes critical safety measures: rescuers must use gas-monitoring equipment and self-contained breathing apparatuses, as respirators offer no protection. When entering confined spaces like manure pits or grain bins, always have a partner, wear a harness, and plan an escape route. Gas concentrations can vary significantly within small distances, posing risks to all, including emergency responders.
Our Condolences
As a rescue company, we must keep our focus on confined space hazards and continue to warn our students and customers just how dangerous they truly are.
