Case Report: Suspected Deaths in the Fermentation Biogas Plant, Klongyai Sub District, Tamod District, Patthalung Province

Abstract

This descriptive epidemiology was a design in this investigation and its objective was to study prevention and control of injury and mortality from a fermented biogas plantation. The methodology began with case investigation, review the mortality report, measurement of biogas level, interview with witnesses, and lastly the survey of its environment. Results found the incidence took place on May 29, 2019 at a large swine farm raising about 600 pigs and a clay pond for fermentation of biogas. Size of the pond was 20 x 20 meters and 7 meters depth, covered with ragged canvas. There had neither fence nor warning sign around the pond. On May 29, 2019, the sky was cloudy with tinny shower without a windy condition. At the site, three persons were found dead. They were lying unconsciously on the covering canvas above the biogas pond. The rescue team took them to a hospital. A physician found that all were dead 2 hours prior approaching to the hospital. Later, the measurement on June 17 2019 found the level of H₂S was only 10 ppm. The physician diagnosed that the cause of death was an anoxia from H₂S suffocation. In general H₂S at a workplace should not exceed than 10 ppm and may threaten to life when it is above 100 ppm, while CO₂ maybe dangerous to life at 40,000 ppm level. In conclusion, pig farms which have fermented biogas plants are at risk of toxic gases leakage such as CH₄, CO₂, H₂S and etc. These are needed to develop the fatal, knowledge, prevention techniques and procedures for the staff working in this condition, which must be given to all swine farmers. Fence and warning signs are necessary to be installed. All operators, entrepreneurs and government officers must strictly abide by the law and regulations.