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Manure Lagoon Safety

A manure lagoon looks like a pond but is far more dangerous. This guide describes the hazards in general terms and sends you to official sources for specifics.

Why is a manure lagoon not like other ponds?

A lagoon can have a crust, foam or floating material that looks solid. The sides may be steep and slick, and the contents are not like water. A person or animal who falls in may be unable to get out.

Lagoons also produce gases that can be harmful. The air near a lagoon, especially during agitation or pumping, can be dangerous. Do not assume that fresh air in the open means safety.

Because a lagoon changes with weather and season, the crust and bank conditions can differ from week to week. Never assume that last month's observation holds today.

• Crusts can look solid and are not.
• Steep, slick banks.
• Gases can be harmful.

What do official sources say about gases?

Manure storage gases are a recognized hazard, and extension and NIOSH publish guidance. This article does not give gas levels or exposure limits from memory. Read the official information and follow your local extension advice.

Do not rely on smell. Some gases can affect the senses and cannot be judged by odor. If you have any concern, stay away and talk with a qualified professional.

Gas hazards also affect nearby buildings and low areas. Ask your extension office about ventilation and about keeping people and animals out of buildings above or near manure pits during agitation.

• Read official guidance.
• Do not judge safety by smell.
• Stay away during agitation and pumping unless trained.

How can you prevent falls and entry?

The most effective prevention is keeping people away from the lagoon edge. Fences, gates and signs help. Equipment work near banks must follow the maker's directions, since banks can be soft and may give way under heavy machines.

Do not walk on the crust or banks. Do not use small boats on a lagoon unless a trained professional has planned the task. Ask your extension office about safe sampling and inspection methods.

Plan any inspection from a stable, protected location. If you do not have one, ask a professional to help rather than walking to the edge.

• Fence and sign the lagoon.
• Keep equipment away from soft banks.
• Do not walk on crust or edges.

What about agitation, pumping and cleanout?

Agitation and pumping release gases and can change conditions quickly. Follow the plan from a qualified professional, move people and animals away, and ventilate nearby buildings as the guidance says.

Cleanout work may require professional contractors with training and equipment. Do not attempt to do hazardous work with an untrained crew.

Weather matters. Wind direction, temperature and storms can change gas movement. Postpone nonessential work when conditions are poor.

• Plan agitation with professionals.
• Move people and animals away.
• Hire trained contractors for cleanout.

How do you keep children and visitors away?

Children can be drawn to the lagoon, especially if it looks like a pond. Teach them it is off limits and explain why in simple terms. Brief visitors and workers on arrival.

Use barriers and signs, and keep gates closed and locked. Make sure everyone on the farm shares the same rule.

Hold a farm safety meeting each year that covers the lagoon, and write the rule down so new workers can read it.

• State the rule clearly.
• Close and lock gates.
• Brief visitors on arrival.

What should you do in an emergency?

Call 911 immediately if a person or animal enters a lagoon or if someone collapses near one. Do not enter the lagoon or attempt to reach the person. A rescuer can be overcome quickly. This article gives no rescue steps; trained responders must handle them.

Provide the address and clear directions, and keep others back. Seek training from recognized providers and talk with your fire department about large-scale rescue capabilities in your area.

Where do you get specific rules and help?

Rules for lagoon design, operation and safety vary by state and are managed by environmental and agriculture agencies. Contact your state agency, your NRCS or conservation district office and your extension office.

NIOSH and extension publications offer plain-language information about manure storage hazards. The links below are starting points.

Keep records of conversations with agency staff, including names and dates. They help you follow up and show that you have sought guidance.

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Farm Safety Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.