AGRICULTURE

The Agriculture Industry is the large-scale, commercial production, storage, transportation, and distribution of crops, livestock, poultry, and fish. Most of what is produced is used for food, with the remainder used for fuel and raw materials for other goods. The agriculture industry supports several other industries, including but not limited to food and beverage, textile, pharmaceutical, medical, furniture, and automobile.

According to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), agriculture ranks among one of the most hazardous industries. Among the hazards agriculture workers face is exposure to toxic chemicals and gases found in fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides.

Confined spaces, including silos, grain bins, fertilizer and manure storage areas, and improperly ventilated barns, can become hazardous, even deadly when toxic gases such as ammonia, carbon dioxide, methane, hydrogen sulfide, and nitrogen dioxide accumulate. Greenhouses and grow rooms use elevated levels of carbon dioxide to stimulate the photosynthesis process, resulting in stronger and faster-growing plants.

Fortunately, by utilizing top-quality gas monitors, including oxygen deficiency and carbon dioxide monitors, agriculture personnel can continuously track gas levels to detect a build-up of toxic gas before employee health is jeopardized.