David
E. Baker
University of Minnesota Extension Service
Storage
and handling of large volumes of grain on Missouri farms is
common. In 1978, on-farm storage capacity for shelled grain
was approximately 309 million bushels. Much of this grain
is stored in bins with capacities ranging from 20,000 to 100,000
bushels.
Grain
is also handled more quickly today. Today's large augers can
transfer from two to four times as much grain as the augers
of the past. Also, using automated equipment often means a
farmer works alone most of the time.
Increased
storage capacities, larger and faster handling capacities
and automation contribute to many potentially hazardous situations
during the harvest and storage season. This guide sheet identifies
many of them and suggests preventive measures that control
or eliminate the hazardous exposure.
Suffocation,
resulting from grain drowning, is probably one of the most common
causes of death in and around grain bins. These accidents typically
occur when the victim enters a bin of flowing grain, is unaware
of the potential hazard, and is pulled under and covered with
grain in a few seconds.
The
typical round, flat-bottomed grain bin draws grain from the
top center and forms a vertical cone when emptying. The 8-inch
auger, common on many Missouri farms, can transfer 3,000 cubic
feet of grain per hour (52 cubic feet per minute). Your body
volume, which is about 7 cubic feet, can be completely submerged
in grain in about 8 seconds (see Figure 1).
Because
of the tremendous force flowing grain exerts on your body,
you are totally helpless to escape once you are trapped knee-deep
in the grain.
Crusted,
spoiled grain can also result in a grain bin suffocation (see
Figure 2). As grain is removed from the bin, a cavity develops
under the crusted surface. Unsuspecting victims walk on the
crusted grain, break through, become submerged in the grain,
and suffocate.
In addition,
spoiled grain can also form large vertical masses. If you
try to get the caked material loose, large sections of grain
can break off and cover you. This risk increases as the capacity
of the bin increases. When you are breaking up large masses
of caked grain, use a long pole and work from a manhole above
the grain. Use a wooden pole because of the danger of overhead
power lines.
If you
become trapped in a bin of flowing grain with nothing to hold
onto but you are still able to walk, stay near the outside
wall. Keep walking until the bin is empty or grain flow stops.
Also, if you are covered by flowing grain, cup your hands
over your mouth, and take short breaths. This may keep you
alive until help arrives.
When
wet grain is stored it ferments. Fermentation produces carbon
dioxide (CO2), a colorless, odorless gas. Carbon dioxide is
heavier than air and pushes it out of the bin. This results
in an oxygen-deficient atmosphere. If you enter a grain bin
where carbon dioxide is present, it gets into your bloodstream
and slows down your breathing, causing drowsiness, headaches,
and even death by suffocation.
If you
suspect the presence of carbon dioxide in the grain bin, don't
go inside. To reduce the hazard, open manholes and all side
door openings and force air through the bin.
If you
attempt a rescue in an oxygen-deficient atmosphere, you must
have a self-contained breathing apparatus.
Your
local emergency rescue team is trained and has the equipment
to help in this type of an emergency. Call them immediately.
You
can reduce the danger of suffocation and other safety hazards
by incorporating safety design features into the construction
of a grain bin and by establishing safe operating procedures.
Ladders.
Vertical, fixed ladders accessible from the inside wall or
roof opening provide a path of escape if an emergency arises.
A rope with knots or a chain or pipe ladder hanging from the
roof peak can provide alternate escape routes. Vertical ladders
fixed on the outside wall that are over 20 feet high should
be equipped with a cage. This measure reduces the hazard of
falling. Vertical ladders should have rest platforms located
every 30 feet.
Climbing
on the roof of a grain bin to open and close the center roof
cover often is necessary when loading it with a portable auger,
inspecting, servicing, or determining the amount of grain
left in the bin. The roof ladder should be readily accessible
from the vertical wall ladder fixed on the outside wall. Hand
loop rails at the top of the vertical ladder, hand rails on
the roof ladder and guard rails around the manhole are desirable
safety features. They reduce the risk of falling while climbing.
Lock
out. You should be able to turn off and padlock the power
switch, so no one can turn on the power when you or others
are working in the grain bin. (If you have employees, review
the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements
under the Machinery Guarding Standard.)
Safety
decals. On newly constructed grain bins, safety decals
placed at strategic locations on the bin should alert workers
to the dangers of flowing grain, crusted over grain, and carbon
dioxide.
Operating
procedures. Suffocation doesn't have to happen. Follow
these safety rules to protect yourself and others:
- Never
enter a bin when unloading equipment is running, whether
or not grain is flowing.
- Keep
children out of bins while unloading and loading. Forbid
them to play in hopper wagons and on hoisted grain beds.
Grain flow can cover them quickly, before anyone realizes
what is happening.
- Don't
enter a bin with unloading equipment without locking out
the control circuit. Be especially careful around automatic
unloading equipment.
- Always
be cautious when working with crusted, spoiled grain. This
grain can result in blockages, cavities, crusting, and grain
avalanches.
- Beware
of steep piles of grain. Dislodge the pile with a long pole,
not a short shovel.
- Never
count on a second person outside the bin to hear your shouted
instructions. Equipment noise may block out or garble your
calls for action or help. Also, the second person may fall
or stumble in the panic and haste of climbing and running
to shut down equipment.
- Always
have three people involved when entering a questionable
storage situation. It takes two people outside to lift one
person from the inside on a rope and safety harness. Then,
one can go for help, while the other gives preliminary aid.
- Always
be cautious about walking on any surface crust. There's
little chance of survival if the crust breaks and you plunge
into flowing or hot grain.
If
a person becomes submerged in grain, begin rescue operations
as rapidly as possible. If the person is totally covered, turn
on the dryer blower and move some air into the bin. Always assume
that the person trapped in the grain, even if completely submerged,
is alive.
The
most successful way to rapidly remove a victim is to cut large
holes around the base of the bin, approximately 5 feet up
from the base. (Always beware that if you cut too many holes,
the bin may collapse on you.) Cutting holes reduces the volume
of grain from the bin in the shortest period of time. Gain
access into the grain bin side walls by using the front-end
loader of a tractor, an abrasive saw, or an air chisel. A
cutting torch is a last resort because of the dangers of fire
and explosions from dust and fumigant residue.
Using
a drum with both ends cut to drop around the victim is another
rescue technique. The drum in place around the victim can
reduce the force of the grain on the trapped victim.
When
you must enter the grain bin, have several people assist you
from the outside. At least two people should be available.
Enter with a rope and safety harness so they can lift you
out in case of an accident.
Do not
attempt a rescue in an oxygen-deficient atmosphere. Call your
local emergency rescue team. They have the training and equipment
to do the job safely.
Dust.
Spoiled grain can release dust and mold spores into the air
during handling. If you are not careful, this can result in
serious respiratory problems.
Nuisance
dust is light enough to be carried by air currents and small
enough to be inhaled and deposited in your lungs. A common
danger in the air, this dust can accumulate and turn parts
of the lung into non-functioning, hardened tissue. Inhaled
dust also encourages the growth of tuberculosis and bronchitis.
To protect your lungs, wear an approved dust mask and ventilate
the work area, while you clean out a grain bin or work with
dusty grain.
Exposure
to fungus from moldy grain can result in allergic reactions,
characterized by chills, high fever, swelling, vomiting, dizziness
and shortness of breath. The lungs can fill with fluid and
collapse. An approved dust mask that fits tightly around the
mouth and nose area effectively protects you from fungus present
in moldy grain. If you choose not to wear a mask, there is
a good chance you will have an allergic reaction and have
breathing problems the rest of your life.
Fumigants.
Another potential health hazard exists during and after fumigation
of a grain bin. Fumigants are toxic to humans when inhaled,
swallowed, or absorbed through the skin. If you follow safety
procedures, you can eliminate the potential for poisoning.
Observe
and follow all label recommendations. Selecting and fitting
the proper gas mask and canister and using them correctly
will protect you. Use only those gas masks and canisters that
have been tested and approved by the National Institute for
Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) or the U.S. Bureau
of Mines. Post warning signs alerting people to the dangers
of fumigation. Always run the ventilation fan before entering
the bin to ensure that the environment is not immediately
dangerous to your life and health.
Most
producers find that it is often safer, cheaper and more effective
to have their stored grain fumigated by a licensed, professional
fumigator.
Grain
augers. Per hour of use, augers are one of the most dangerous
types of farm equipment. The primary danger in operating an
auger is getting caught in a moving part, such as the flighting
or power-take-off.
Take
a few minutes to review the operator's manual and examine
the equipment to ensure it is in safe operating condition.
Wear
close-fitting clothing when you are working near power augers.
Loose, floppy clothes can become caught in moving parts and
draw you into the auger.
Have
guards and shields in place to decrease the chances of getting
caught in moving parts. It is critical that all shields and
guards be replaced as soon as repair and maintenance work
is completed. A machine that is properly guarded can save
your life or the life of a family member.
Exposed
auger flighting should be guarded with either grated or solid
baffle style covers. Grated guards should have an opening
no larger than 4-3/4 inches long. Each individual rectangular
opening should be no larger than 10 square inches and be no
closer than 2-1/2 inches to the rotating flighting. Slotted
openings in solid baffle style guards should be no wider than
1-1/2 inches or closer than 3-1/2 inches to the exposed auger
flightings.
Children
are attracted to the operation of a grain auger. They move
in closer to get a better look and can become entangled. It
is important that children be instructed to stay away from
operating equipment.
Transporting,
positioning and raising a portable auger can be hazardous
if safe work procedures are violated. Before moving an auger,
lower and secure it in transport position. Check for overhead
power lines before positioning the augers to avoid contacting
a high voltage source. You could be electrocuted by becoming
the direct circuit to ground. If contact is made or a power
line is broken, have someone call the power company. Stay
on the tractor or truck unless you can jump clear. Do not
touch anything in contact with the power line.
Avoid
sharp turns when pulling a portable auger because the wheels
do not follow those of the tractor pulling it. Travel at safe
speeds on the highway and have a flag mark the end of the
auger and a slow-moving vehicle sign on the auger frame.
Raising
an auger too high increases its chances of upending. Accidents
occur when the undercarriage falls. When in use, the upper
end of the auger should be resting on the top of the bin and
the lower end resting on the ground. Stay out from under an
auger while it is being raised.
Transport
equipment. Suffocation in a gravity wagon or truck can
occur when children or other innocent victims slip and are
drawn into the grain during unloading. Do not allow anyone
on or in the wagon or truck at any time. Make sure to properly
mark any equipment moved on a public road in Missouri with
a slow-moving vehicle emblem or lights.
Grain
dryers. Grain dryers may reach a maximum temperature of
240 degrees F during the drying operation. A fire extinguisher
should be available (see MU publication G01906, Selecting
a Fire Extinguisher). Also, be aware of the high noise levels
created by the high-speed, high-volume fans used with grain
dryers. Wearing ear muffs will protect you from permanent
hearing damage, which can occur after exposure to high noise
levels for long periods (see MU publication G01962, Noise:
The Invisible Hazard).
Don't
let a grain storage or handling accident happen to you or a
member of your family. Discuss with each family member and worker
the potential dangers of drowning, suffocation, entanglement
and allergic reactions. Careful observance of accident prevention
procedures and installing safety design features in grain bin
storage and handling equipment can prevent injuries and fatalities.
Keep
these safety measures in mind when storing and handling grain:
- Do
not enter a bin when grain is flowing.
- Do
not enter a bin when you suspect carbon dioxide is present.
- Shut
off and secure all power sources before entering a grain
bin.
- Maintain
protective guards on equipment.
- Install
safety equipment on grain bins.
- Wear
a dust mask.
- Use
correct fumigation procedures.
- Instruct
children and others to stay away from powered equipment.
- Be
prepared for emergencies.
- Deere
and Company. Fundamentals of Machine Operation - Agricultural
Machinery Safety. Moline, Illinois. 1974.
- Northeast
Regional Agricultural Engineering Service. Farm Accident
Rescue. Cornell University; Ithaca, New York. 1980.
- Aherin,
Robert and Lee Schultz. Safe Storage and Handling of Grain.
University of Minnesota Extension Folder 568.
- U.S.
Department of Labor. OSHA 2256 - Guarding of Farm Field
and Farmstead Equipment. Occupational Safety and Health
Administration. 1976.
Disclaimer
and Reproduction Information: Information in NASD does not
represent NIOSH policy. Information included in NASD appears
by permission of the author and/or copyright holder. More
NASD Review: 04/2002
This
document is
GO1969
,
a series of the University Extension, University of Missouri-Columbia,
Columbia, MO 65211. Publication date: October 1993.
David
E. Baker, Department of Agricultural Engineering, University
of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO 65211.
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