Mucking out

[Cath27]

Hi. I am working as a groom for the first time. When I muck out, the smell of ammonia and the dust flying round the stable is really getting in my lungs. Is the dust actually harmful? I have read it can damage not only the horse but also the person breathing in all this dust and gas. Should I be concerned? And should I consider wearing a mask? Thanks

 

[Sossigpoker]

Yes I would wear a mask. It can certainly trigger my asthma.

 

[Parrotperson]

its entirely up tp you but I would say wear a good quality fp2 or fp3 mask. or something that definitely filters out the bad stuff. No point in a paper/cloth mask at all in these circumstances

 

[Casey76]

En en wearing a regular builders dust mask can make a huge difference. I was amazed/horrified how quickly the outside got dirty, while the inside remained clean.

My asthma symptoms definitely improved when I wore a mask for mucking out.

 

[angel7]

Farmers lung a very nasty disease, FFP3 mask needed and increase air circulation by opening door and windows. Identify where the dust is coming from and try to eliminate it where possible. Ie dusty hay soak it with minimal shaking, change to dust free bedding. Take horses outside while mucking out and dont shake up the straw bale when moving/mucking it out. For example if small bale hay put whole slice in rack or haynet. Use fork to spread the straw rather than your hands and keep the straw close to the ground as you work.
If using shavings I cut around the bale with a large kitchen knife and spread it minimally to avoid clouds being thrown up by emptying the bags.