Out-Of-Condition Grain Can Cause Engulfment In Seconds

Suffocation is the leading cause of death in grain bins, with more than half of engulfment incidents resulting in fatalities. This National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) message offers tips for avoiding entrapment.

How to Avoid Entrapment

Entrapment happens most often when attempting to dislodge out-of-condition grain that has hung up or crusted in a bin. Hot weather and lower-quality grain can increase the chances of entrapment. Likewise, grain stored at the wrong moisture level or without proper aeration is susceptible to crusting and cliffing.

Engulfment can occur in one of three ways:

1. Unloading: If a person is in a bin while grain is flowing, they can be pulled under and suffocated within seconds.
2. Bridging: When grain clumps together it can form a crust or bridge with open space underneath and can collapse if someone walks on it.
3. Avalanche engulfment: Accumulated grain on the side of a bin can collapse on a person in the bin.

The best way to avoid injury is to avoid entering a bin, and the best way to avoid needing to enter is to maintain grain quality in storage. If you must enter, take these precautions:

• Turn off and lock out all powered equipment including augers.
• Have someone standing outside to call for help.
• Do not enter bins if grain is built up on the walls.

Remember, out-of-condition grain will always pose a safety risk. Watch the video for more safety tips and information on how to prevent hazardous situations and maintain grain quality.

Learn more about NGFA Harvest Safety Week and access additional resources here.