Poisonous gas in wells proove fatal in Punjab
Ludhiana, July 22 (UNI) Farmers of Punjab hav been advised not to enter in the well for repair of electric motor or pump, as at times the presence of poisonous gas inside the well could proove fatal.
Issuing this warning Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) experts said that in the last one month or so seven persons have died after inhailing poisonous gases present in the wells. While four persons died in Ferozepur district, two died in Ranipur village, of Phagwara sub-division and another died in Wadala village of Jalandhar district According to experts during the rainy season, poisonous gas carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide gas is present in the wells. So farmers should check the gas with the help of kerosene lamps before entering in pit. If the lamp goes off than the poisonous gas is present in the tubewell and they should immediately come out.
Due to the poisonous gas which is heavier than oxygen gas, many fatal accidents (deaths) are taking place.
PAU engineers Charan Jeet Singh Pannu and N K Chhuneja, who are working on minimisation of accidents in agricultural operations visited Ranipur village and advised the farmers not to enter the well without verification of poisonous gas. The farmers were explained about the procedure to apply for financial compensation for the victims of accidents in agricultural operations.
To avoid such accidents, the farmers have been advised not to enter the well without verification of poisonous gas, they said.
The precautionary steps recommended by the two engineers include using an empty jute bag, bucket or umbrella and moving it up and down in the pit to remove the gas. At least two persons should be present at the site to handle anu adverse situation.
The engineers also asked the farmers to rotate the pump by pulling its belt for 15 minutes, as this would push the gas present out of the well. One can use an exhaust fan to pump out the gas in the well.
The carbon-dioxide gas can be dissolved in lime water by pouring it from the top of well, the engineers suggested.
UNI