There are significant property risks at a dairy operation due to numerous ignition sources, such as heaters, cooling equipment, electrical fixtures, and milking equipment combined with combustible materials such as hay, straw, animal feed and bedding, methane, oils, and motor vehicle fuels.

Largest Barn Fire in Texas History

A recent explosion and fire at a large dairy in Texas that resulted in a catastrophic loss of 18,000 dairy cattle, farm buildings and equipment, and seriously injured a farm worker make it clear why fire prevention controls need to be in place at all dairies.

The Issues To Assess and Address

This bulletin will review some of the issues and controls dairy operators should be aware of according to the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. It is important that dairies implement the following if not already in place to reduce their fire risk:

  1. Regularly inspect and maintain permanent electrical systems & equipment
    1. The permanent electrical system is one of the most vulnerable areas within a livestock barn. The humidity and corrosive gases generated by livestock and the storage of manure degrade the electrical system over time. Ensure that barn areas are well ventilated to avoid a build-up of combustible gases. Turn on all fans and open all curtains.
    2. Wiring must be up to date and of sufficient capacity. All machinery should be grounded to prevent static buildup and discharge. Electrical fixtures should be dust and moisture proof.
    3. Engage a certified electrical infrared electrical inspection firm to scan all electrical equipment to identify electrical issues and address them to avoid electrical failure, arcing or fires.
    4. Use equipment that is designed for the humid and corrosive environment.
    5. Ensure equipment is properly grounded.
    6. All machinery and equipment must be inspected and maintained regularly to avoid wear and tear or overheating losses.
  1. Focus on housekeeping
    1. Keep clutter, bedding, hay and other combustibles at least 1 m (3 ft) away from electrical systems.
    2. Store combustibles in a designated location away from livestock. Combustibles such as straw or oil provide fuel to feed a fire.
    3. Regularly sweep up or store hay, straw, and other loose combustibles.
    4. Routinely clean fans, grain augers, and other motors with compressed air to remove dust and debris.

      NOTE: The safe use of pressurized air to blow down a space or large equipment/ components where combustible dust (hay, straw, grain, silage, etc.) may be present must be controlled to avoid a dust cloud explosion hazard. According to OSHA’s combustible dust instructor guide, “The use of compressed air for cleaning (blow down) is not permitted unless all potential ignition sources are removed from the area.”
  1. Limit the use of temporary electrical equipment, including extension cords, which are easily damaged.
  1. Prepare and implement a Fire Safety Plan: summarizes how an operation will prevent a fire and the response in case a fire does occur.
  1. Regularly maintain heaters
    1. Do not use heaters in barns with under-barn manure storage unless adequate ventilation is provided to prevent the accumulation of manure gases.
    2. Ensure all natural gas, and propane-fired heating appliances are installed in accordance with manufacturer specifications and appropriate building and fire protection codes.
  1. Perform hot work safely, in accordance with an approved hot work safety plan.
  1. Regularly inspect and maintain fire walls, fire separations and attic fire stops.
  1. Store and maintain motorized equipment away from livestock.
  1. Participate in a Risk Reduction Assessment with insurance and/or fire department inspectors.

Retrieved from https://www.ontario.ca/page/10-ways-reduce-risk-barn-fire

This bulletin is not an exhaustive list of all possible hazards, and it is recommended that you meet with your safety and risk consultant to review your fire hazard risk reduction program. It is also a good time to meet with your insurance agent to ensure you have adequate coverages for your business to respond in an unexpected worst-case scenario, such as the one that occurred in Dimmit, TX this week.

References

  • 10 ways to reduce the risk of barn fire; 07/22/20. OMAFRA (Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
  • Reference Connect – Risk Profiles: Dairy Farms 11/16/20
  • OSHA Combustible Dust: Safety and Injury Prevention Instructor Guide 1.0

Should you have any questions or need any assistance, please contact HUB Risk Services Division.

DISCLAIMER

Neither Hub International Limited nor any of its affiliated companies is a law or accounting firm, and therefore they cannot provide legal or tax advice. The information herein is provided for general information only, and is not intended to constitute legal or tax advice as to an organization’s specific circumstances. It is based on Hub International's understanding of the law as it exists on the date of this publication. Subsequent developments may result in this information becoming outdated or incorrect and Hub International does not have an obligation to update this information. You should consult an attorney, accountant, or other legal or tax professional regarding the application of the general information provided here to your organization’s specific situation in light of your organization’s particular needs.