Manure Pit Safety & Rescue Training Program by NECAS

On August 10, 2021, three brothers — all in their 30s — reportedly lost consciousness and died while performing maintenance in a manure pit on a farm in western Ohio. This tragic event serves not only as a grim reminder of the dangers associated with manure pits but also as a call to action for Nationwide and others to step up manure pit safety training and educational efforts.

Nationwide and the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety (NECAS) have partnered to offer Manure Pit Safety & Rescue Training for first responders, farmers, ranchers and others to help keep ag workers and their families safe.

About the training

The training features a one-of-a-kind manure pit rescue simulator that travels to your community. Loaded on a 20-foot trailer and containing 150 gallons of water, the simulator gives participants the opportunity to work through different scenarios in various roles. Trained and experienced industry professionals travel with the simulator to teach the procedures for safely entering a manure pit to perform rescue operations in low-oxygen situations. Educators also stress the importance of air-quality monitoring before, during and after rescues; the proper use of a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA); harnessing; rope rigging for below-grade rescues; and the use of a rescue tripod.

In addition to learning about proper rescue techniques, participants of the approximately 4-hour training session will:

• Be able to identify hazards associated with confined workspaces
• Understand the process for confined-space entry and lockout procedures
• Know where to look for OSHA references and resources related to confined-space entry in the confinement industry

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)-compliant gear with SCBA is required to participate in the hands-on portion, and 150 gallons of water must be provided.

Cost of training

The cost of the training, including lodging, fuel, etc., is the responsibility of the trained party. Cost includes:

• Training session: $1,475
• Fuel: $0.95 per mile to and from Peosta, Iowa
• Food: $50 per day
• Hotel/lodging: Costs vary widely from $80-$250 per night, depending on location and availability

All costs are payable to and managed by the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety (NECAS), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

In Iowa, the cost of the training, including lodging, fuel, etc., may be covered by the Iowa Volunteer Firefighter Training Fund — if 12 or more persons are in attendance. The fund, to the extent of appropriations made available in each state’s fiscal year, shall provide support for the training needs of volunteer firefighters in Iowa.

Need a gas monitor?

If you handle or store manure, you need a gas monitor. Gas concentrations can vary over time, so it’s critical to monitor gas levels before every entry and to keep monitoring while you are in the confined space to ensure the safety of yourself and those who are working with you are working with you. We’re partnering with KC Supply to offer a discount on gas monitors.

Request discount code