Flowing grain: ‘A farmer’s worst nightmare’

Related radio feature by Debbie Johnson. For downloadable broadcast-quality audio, contact Johnson at 573-882-9183.

COLUMBIA, Mo. – A wet fall harvest and a cold winter might make conditions especially dangerous for grain producers emptying grain bins to fulfill commodity contracts and prepare for wheat harvest.

In 2010 there were a record 26 deaths nationwide due to grain bin accidents, according to U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration reports. And there were many more unreported “near misses,” say University of Missouri Extension specialists Willard Downs and Frank Wideman.

Last fall’s wet harvest and this winter’s record-setting cold may result in crusted, spoiled and wet grain, increasing the danger.

“Crusting” creates a firm but unstable top layer of grain that may feel like a hard surface for walking. However, flowing grain below the crust creates a cavity that can collapse in seconds.

“You may think you are standing on a firm surface, but you’re not, and by the time you realize this, you’re sinking,” said Downs, a professor of agriculture systems management in the MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources.

“Flowing grain is a farmer’s worst nightmare,” said Wideman, natural resources engineer with MU Extension. He describes grain bin entrapment as similar to being caught in quicksand.

The typical round, flat-bottomed grain bin draws grain from the top center and forms a vertical cone or funnel when emptying. The force of flowing grain makes the feet become anchors, Wideman said. “If we keep our wits when drowning in water, we can float or tread in the water,” he said. “Water will buoy you, but moving grain will suck you down.”

Grain bins are larger and more dangerous than they were when farms were smaller, Wideman said. Equipment also is larger and moves more quickly. Because modern equipment is more automated, farmers may tend to work alone.

What if you find yourself trapped in a bin? Cup your hands around your mouth and nose to create an air pocket. This may give you enough air and time for someone to rescue you.

If possible, move to the edge of the bin and continue moving in a spiral until the bin is empty. Try to get to the inside ladder of the bin.

If you are with someone who has become entrapped, do not attempt a rescue. Call 911, turn off the auger or conveyor belt and turn on fans to increase ventilation. Gather items that emergency personnel can use to keep grain away from the victim.

To prevent grain bin entrapment, Wideman and Downs make these recommendations:

• Always check the lockout control circuit devices on the auger before entering the bin.

• Develop a “zero entry” mentality. Stay out of the bin. If you have to check the grain, don’t go alone.

• Let others know that you are going into the bin. This prevents them from turning on the auger while you are in the bin.

• Wear a safety harness and have a trained observer with you. Many fatal grain bin accidents involve more than one death because observers die while making a rescue attempt.

• Run ventilation equipment before entering a bin to release toxic fumes.

• Train other family members and farm workers to stay out of the bin. This includes visitors. Children think of grain bins and wagons as big sandboxes. Keep ladders away to help children avoid the temptation to enter bins and wagons. Lock bins.

For more information, see the MU Extension publication “Safe Storage and Handling of Grain” (G1969), available for free download at extension.missouri.edu/p/G1969.

OSHA also has information on grain handling safety at www.osha.gov/SLTC/grainhandling.