Grain Bin Safety Week

Amy Timmerman, Extension Educator Author

02/21/2024 Added

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This week is Grain Bin Safety Week (February 18-24th). Over two-thirds of the US grain is stored on the farm without OSHA standards for safety protocols. Let’s start with six facts related to injuries and fatalities from grain bins.

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[00:00:00.204]This is Amy Timmerman with Nebraska Extension and today’s extension update.
[00:00:05.215]This week is Grain Bin Safety Week, February 18-24th.
[00:00:09.568]Over two-thirds of the US grain is stored on the farm
[00:00:13.568]without OSHA standards for safety protocols.
[00:00:16.388]So let’s take a look at six facts related
[00:00:19.072]to injuries and fatalities from grain bins.
[00:00:22.015]1. In 2023, there was 19 billion bushels
[00:00:26.370]of corn and soybeans stored in the US.
[00:00:30.131]2. In 2022, at least 42 grain entrapments were reported,
[00:00:36.261]the highest number of entrapments in a decade - with 15 fatalities.
[00:00:41.601]3. Of those entrapments, 5 involved youth under the age of 21.
[00:00:47.613]4. In 4 seconds, an adult can sink knee-deep in flowing grain and
[00:00:53.953]be rendered unable to free themselves without assistance.
[00:00:57.713]In 20 seconds, an adult can be fully engulfed.
[00:01:02.080]5. Suffocation from engulfment or oxygen-deficient atmospheres
[00:01:06.880]is the leading cause of death in grain accidents and finally
[00:01:11.658]6. More than 300 grain entrapments have been recorded in the past decade.
[00:01:17.818]It’s estimated an additional 30% of cases go unreported.
[00:01:22.311]These statistics are eye opening and scary.
[00:01:26.061]To better understand how grain bin entrapments and injuries occur,
[00:01:30.061]it is important to understand the four types of grain bin entrapments.
[00:01:33.626]Understanding these situations and they present can help when an emergency arises.
[00:01:39.300]1. Flowing column of grain – This occurs when the flow pattern
[00:01:44.520]of this type resembles a funnel, taking on whirlpool-like behavior.
[00:01:49.070]As the grain descends from the top of the bin wall, it gains speed,
[00:01:52.805]converging it into a small, vertical column at the center.
[00:01:56.605]As a result, this central column moves downward through the grain mass,
[00:02:00.767]maintaining a pace close to that of the unloading auger.
[00:02:05.117]2. Horizontal crusted grain surface collapse -
[00:02:09.406]this presents itself when crusted and spoiled
[00:02:11.894]grain combines into one element, causing a false sense of security.
[00:02:16.717]Empty spots hide beneath the surface, posing a risk of falling and collapsing.
[00:02:22.643]3. Vertical crusted grain surface collapse – is arises when spoiled and compacted
[00:02:29.463]grain takes the shape of a vertical column, giving off the perspective of a solid wall.
[00:02:34.649]However, it is unstable and can collapse if tampered with.
[00:02:39.073]And finally entrapment with suffocation – this takes effect when a farmer
[00:02:43.483]and/or employee attempts to break up compacted grain.
[00:02:47.483]Though the grain seems stable, it can have weak spots and give way.
[00:02:51.499]This happens suddenly and typically buries the person partially or entirely.
[00:02:57.222]Now finally lets explore the basic safety practices to protecting yourself, your
[00:03:03.064]families and our agricultural community from grain bin-engulfment tragedies.
[00:03:07.864]1. Prepare for an emergency – establish an emergency plan
[00:03:12.244]with a neighbor, family member or friend in case of an accident.
[00:03:16.975]2. Stay Out of grain bins if possible – properly aerate and keep grain in
[00:03:22.385]good condition to minimize clumped or encrusted grain.
[00:03:26.592]Only enter bins when there is no other option to perform the necessary work.
[00:03:33.083]3. Never enter alone – if you must enter,
[00:03:37.083]ensure there are no engulfment hazards present.
[00:03:40.423]Have a friend, neighbor or family member present
[00:03:44.423]as an observer outside the bin when you enter and make sure
[00:03:47.800]you maintain direct communication during the entire process.
[00:03:51.800]Instruct them on shut down and safety procedures in case of an incident.
[00:03:57.374]4. Shut down equipment – shut down and lock the
[00:04:01.494]energy source in the off position of any equipment that can entangle you,
[00:04:06.644]cause you to be pulled into flowing grain or engulf you from above.
[00:04:11.780]And finally wear a body harness – keep a lifeline attached to your
[00:04:16.038]harness unless wearing it increase your chances of entanglement.
[00:04:21.121]In those cases, have it immediately accessible outside of the grain bin
[00:04:25.901]and make sure your observer knows where it is.
[00:04:28.861]If you want more information on how to prevent and be prepared
[00:04:32.631]for grain bin accidents visit the grain handling safety
[00:04:36.631]coalition at grainsafety.org or University of Nebraska Medical
[00:04:40.631]Center - Center for Agricultural Safety and Health.
[00:04:45.033]This has been Amy Timmerman with Nebraska Extension.

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Grain Bin Safety Week

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