Finalist No.1: Corey Breen

College: University College Dublin

Idea: Slurry Alarm

“We’re all aware of the dangers that slurry gas poses to hardworking farmers around the country.

‘‘Slurry gas is comprised of methane, carbon dioxide, ammonia and hydrogen sulphide and the danger is such that one breath can be fatal.

“After I looked at videos produced by the HSA on the dangers of slurry gas and, also, tragic stories from the families who have been torn apart by this invisible but deadly killer, I developed an idea of an alarm very similar to the carbon monoxide alarms that are commonplace in many homes today.

“This alarm could be fitted to a wall in a shed where slurry agitation takes place and as soon as the gases such as hydrogen sulphide reach a certain level, this alarm would go off.

‘‘It would then stop when the gas reaches a safe level once again. This alarm would have a sensor to detect the gas and trigger the alarm when it goes above the unsafe level.

‘‘The alarm would be heard all around the yard and individuals would know straight away that it would be unsafe to enter the area.

“This would be ideal to protect outsiders coming to the farm and also young children who may venture down to the farmyard at any time. They would know straight away to stay away from the yard when this alarm is sounding. It would also prevent the farmer from taking any chances and entering the area because he/she would know that it definitely wouldn’t be safe.”

Inspiration

“This idea came to me when I saw a video on YouTube by the HSA about a man called Noel Tierney from Galway whose son was killed by slurry gas when he entered a shed during agitation to run out a calf that was still in the shed.

What it would mean to win

“It would be massive to win the ESB Networks National Safety Challenge. I believe implementing this device in farms would be very easy once farmers learn about its many benefits.

‘‘I believe that my idea has the potential to become a compulsory device on all farms where slurry agitation takes place. While it is a simple design, it is very effective. I believe that if it has the ability to save one life then it is worth putting time into.”

Paul Donegan, fourth year agricultural engineering honours student, IT Tralee, Co Kerry, a finalist in the Safe Family Farms Schools Programme. \Valerie O’Sullivan

Paul Donegan, fourth year agricultural engineering student, IT Tralee. \Valerie O’Sullivan

Finalist No. 2: Paul Donegan

College: IT Tralee

Idea: PTO-SENSE

“My product consists of two detection systems, the first system (orange zone) is a warning system for the operator. This comprises of Passive Infra-Red (PIR) motion sensors mounted on the rear of the tractor. These sensors are connected to an audio and visual alarm system. The audio alarm is 120dB and the visual alarm is a flashing light. Once this zone is entered, the operator must reset the system in the cab of the tractor.

“The second system (red zone) is a sensor and disengagement system of the PTO shaft.

‘‘A single PIR motion sensor is mounted centrally on the tractor’s cab and monitors the critical area of the PTO Trap zone. This sensor is connected to an electromagnetic clutch that is incorporated into the PTO drive shaft. If the operator enters, immediate detection by the sensor will deactivate the main shaft from rotating. Similarly, the operator must re-enter the cab to reset the system and alarms.”

Inspiration

“I’ve worked in industry with machines for 25 years. Coming from a farming background, I have seen all the dangers of operating agricultural machinery. Everybody knows someone who has been involved in a PTO-related accident and unfortunately this has been all too frequent over the years. Humans are risk-takers by nature.

“A total of 210 people have lost their lives in Ireland in the course of carrying out their livelihoods in agriculture over the past 10 years. Vehicles and machinery have contributed to 30% or 64 of these fatalities. Of these 64 fatalities, six of them have been due to PTO entanglement.”

What it would mean to win

“Having my product selected as the winner of the ESB Networks National Safety Challenge would be a great achievement for me and would promote my idea greatly. It will also focus the concentration of operators to safety when working with PTO-operated machinery. The product will be easy to fit and usable across all types of tractors, both old and new.”

DISCLAIMER: The products and designs listed were judged and awarded prizes for the purpose of the ESB Networks National Safety Challenge only. ESB Networks do not own or endorse these products or designs.