Crowcon White Paper: Why Gas Detection is Crucial in Farming & Agriculture

On the right, two dairy cows graze in a field. On the left large, white text on a blue background reads 'Why Gas Detection is Crucial in Farming & Agriculture'.

Recognising the dangers posed by toxic gases encountered in farming, Crowcon has produced a white paper specifically for the agricultural sector. Titled Why Gas Detection is Crucial in Farming & Agriculture, this paper outlines the gas hazards farmers should look out for, explains the relevant standards that need to be met, and details helpful ways to protect yourself, your staff, your stock, and, ultimately, your livelihood.

According to Farmers Weekly, despite only employing 2% of the UK workforce, agriculture accounts for 20% of workplace fatalities.[1] In fact, of all the main industry sectors, agriculture is the worst for fatal injuries. A 2021/22 report by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the annual average fatality rate over the last five years for the agriculture, fishing, and forestry sector was 21 times higher than the all-industry figure.[2] The report goes on to highlight that between the 1^st April 2021 and 31^st March 2022, 25 people died as a result of farming injuries; while most deaths were attributed to moving vehicles, one, that of a 38-year-old self-employed farmer in the East Midlands, was due to asphyxiation caused by slurry gas.[3] Asphyxiation/drowning is responsible for 4% of all farming fatalities between 2017/18 and 2021/22,[4] and approximately 15 people a year die due to accidents in confined spaces such as slurry or animal feed tanks.[5] A sad example of this is the deaths of Nathan Walker, 19, and Gavin Rawson, 35. Working for Greenfeed Limited, Mr Walker and Mr Rawson tragically drowned inside a tanker of pig feed after losing consciousness due to high levels of carbon dioxide (CO₂). In June 2022, Greenfeeds Limited was fined £2 million for corporate manslaughter and three managers were sentenced for their roles in the deaths of Mr Walker and Mr Rawson. [6]

Quick Links

Crowcon’s White Paper: A Summary
Crowcon’s Solutions for Gas Detection in Farming & Agriculture
Further Information

Crowcon’s White Paper: A Summary

Four square images sit on a blue background. From left to right, the images are of a highland cow; a field of green crops; a black and pink piglet stood in some straw; a field of wheat being harvested.

Gas detection is essential to ensuring correct farming processes and safeguarding the health and safety of workers/visitors.[7] Noting the breadth of the farming and agriculture industry, Crowcon details the sectors/areas that will benefit most from atmospheric monitoring:

Meat production
Aquaculture
Soil management
Horticulture
Slurry pits
Storage (particularly of grains and fruit)

Farming generates an array of toxic gases including, but not limited to, methane (CH₄), hydrogen sulphide (H₂S), ammonia (NH₃), nitrous oxide (N₂O), and carbon dioxide (CO₂). The onus is on farm owners and workers to monitor gas hazards and any potential dangers that may arise due to their presence. Crowcon offers a solution to this, explaining that:

“Utilising reliable gas monitoring equipment is the best way to raise awareness of the types and levels of gases, and thus allow appropriate actions to be taken.”[8]

In addition to complying with EU safety directives and UK regulations such as the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health, monitoring gases is a useful research tool. Data gathered through gas detection offers insight into farm/agriculture emissions. Using data provided by the Word Wildlife Fund, Crowcon highlights that 9% of the world’s total agricultural greenhouse gas emissions can be attributed to the UK; and points out that agricultural emissions are predicted to rise to 30% of the world’s total emissions. With the pressure to meet net-zero targets increasing as the effects of climate change begin to be felt more starkly around the world, Crowcon posits that it is imperative farmers and agricultural workers take responsibility for their emissions footprints.

Download Crowcon’s White Paper

Crowcon’s Solutions for Gas Detection in Farming & Agriculture

Crowcon recommends their T4, Gas-Pro, Clip SGD, and Gasman Portable Gas Detectors for farm and agricultural workers. These gas monitors are rugged, compact, and can be clipped to clothing making them perfect for busy farming and agricultural staff constantly on the move. Regardless of the environment, these gas detectors provide protection by constantly monitoring specified gases.