Vol. 485 No. 3
176 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the results of any research into the effects of hydrogen sulphide in slatted shed developments; and the proposals, if any, his Department has to introduce controls in relation to these structures. [23348/97]
Research in this area is a matter for Teagasc who work in close liaison with the Health and Safety Authority. Hydrogen sulphide is emitted when the slurry stored in tanks is agitated. The emission of this gas is taken into account in the specifications for slatted sheds issued by my Department which provide that the slurry agitation points are located outside the shed. A code of practice relating to slurry agitation has been drawn up by Teagasc in conjunction with the Health and Safety Authority. There are no proposals to implement further controls at present.
