General Precautions; Hazards Associated With Operating Slurry Tankers - Major 1150 Slurry Vac Operator's Manual & Parts List

General Precautions

The following rules summarise a practical approach to disposal of slurry from tanks:
• When filling/emptying tanker make sure that the area is well ventilated.
• Work in conjunction with a second adult person - preferably keeping a watch from outside the house if you
have to enter to move the tanker etc.
• Avoid vigorous agitation in confined spaces and do not allow slurry to rise within 300mm of the slats or covers.
• Drowning is the most common cause of death involving slurry, if slats are removed, cover exposed areas of
the tank beside the pump to avoid falling in.
• Keep children safely away from the work site. Animals should be moved out of the shed before starting work.
• Never enter an underground tank without an independent air supply and lifeline attached.
• Avoid smoking and do not use naked flames as slurry gases are highly flammable.
• Beware of the risk of back injury if you need to lift slats in the shed.
The most effective defence against the slurry gas threat is common sense and following the rules
above because it is fair to assume that gas is present in all cases.
Danger! Slurry gases can kill

Hazards associated with operating Slurry Tankers

Gas Hazards
Filling the tanker and spreading slurry releases gases into the atmosphere. The gases present include methane, carbon
dioxide, ammonia and hydrogen sulphide. All these gases are unpleasant, however hydrogen sulphide is extremely
poisonous both to people and animals. It affects the nervous system causing symptoms which range from discomfort
to sudden death.
Crush Hazard
Bystanders can be injured when machine is towed. Keep clear of machine when moving it.
Pinch Hazard
Pinch points are created when two objects move together, with at least one of them moving in a circle. Ensure all
guarding is present.
Wrap Hazard
Any exposed, rotating machine component is a potential wrap point. Injuries usually occur when loose clothing or long
hair catch on and wrap around rotating parts such as PTO shafts or Drive shafts on the machine. Ensure all guarding
is present.
Thrown objects Hazard
Slurry Tankers expels liquid at force, note that stones & other items may be in the slurry mix. Ensure that output nozzle
is not directed at persons.
Hydraulic Hazard
Hydraulic systems store considerable energy,. Careless servicing, adjustment, or replacement of parts can result in
serious injury. High pressure blasts of hydraulic oil can injure eyes or other body parts. The following precautions are
crucial:
• Make certain the pump is turned off.
• Lower attached equipment to the ground.
• Confirm that load pressure is off the system.
A pinhole leak in an hydraulic hose is a serious hazard. A leak may not be visible, and the only sign may be a few drops
of fluid. Never inspect hydraulic hoses with your hands, because a fine jet of hydraulic fluid can pierce the skin.
Noise Hazard
Please note that the machine is normally used outdoors and that the position of the operator is seated in the driving seat
of the tractor. It is advisable to consult the prescriptions listed in tractor operator and maintenance manuals.
The acoustic pressure was measured at a distance of 2.6m from the centre of the machine and at a height of 2.0m, with
the implement operating in a no load condition - 90 dBA. In a loaded condition & a PTO rate of 540 rpm the obtained
value was 97dBA.
www.major-equipment.com 5