Safety in Aquaponics

[GaryD]

Hi,

Safety is something we don't talk about enough......see here (http://www.microponics.net.au/?p=645).

Gary

[DaveOponic]

Good point Gary. That's a nice neat cover on your fish tanks. I have used solid hardwood stands on my growbeds, especially the barrel ponics systems that I have sold here in Brunei. My kids are now old enough to not fall into a tank but we have friends who visit with small kids and so I am always aware of safety issues.

Sadly though when it comes to my own safety, I am a bit more reckless and back in 2008 I lifted heavy bags of gravel to fill growbeds and gave myself a hernia. I had an operation to repair the hernia but the doc. warned me that I shouldn't lift heavy stuff again or I would get a hernia on the other side or break the stitches on the one he sewed up. (Another good argument you could use against deep gravel grow beds... ha ha)

A lot of people also don't realise the weight of water. My 200 litre drum swirl filters sit on hardwood stands made from 4 x 3 timber with diagonal bracing and galvanised bolts. Sturdy and solid because I don't want that weight of water falling from a metre onto anyone.


Dave

[GaryD]

Hi Dave,


Sadly though when it comes to my own safety, I am a bit more reckless and back in 2008 I lifted heavy bags of gravel to fill growbeds and gave myself a hernia. I had an operation to repair the hernia but the doc. warned me that I shouldn't lift heavy stuff again or I would get a hernia on the other side or break the stitches on the one he sewed up. (Another good argument you could use against deep gravel grow beds... ha ha)

A lot of people also don't realise the weight of water. My 200 litre drum swirl filters sit on hardwood stands made from 4 x 3 timber with diagonal bracing and galvanised bolts. Sturdy and solid because I don't want that weight of water falling from a metre onto anyone.
As you've identified, manual handling is certainly a safety issue with AP systems....and the weight of water (and gravel) leaves no room for sloppy construction.

Gary

[arachdog]

With regards to the electrical safety. I think its fair to say that an RCD should be a mandatory requirement of any culture system where water and electricity are in close proximity, regardless of any other precautions taken. They don't cost a hell of a lot and theres no doubt that they save lives.

[DaveOponic]

Good point. I am presently running a solar backup system that consists of 2 40Watt panels, a battery, a 12 relay triggered by a 12 volt power pack plugged into the power point that feeds my pumps and a 12 volt bilge pump.

Fortunately, I was given a rechargeable air pump that runs off a 6V lead acid battery when the AC goes down.

A mate is giving me an Industrial strength emergency power supply soon that will probably provide enough 240 to power my whole house for 24 hours.

dave