GRAIN BIN
Grain bins are used on many farms to store harvested crops until ready for use on the farm or until they are sold. The typical farm grain bin is about as wide as it is tall. Several dangers associated with grain bins deserve attention by rescue personnel.
One hazard is the danger of being submerged and suffocating in flowing grain. Grain bins are unloaded by an auger under the floor which empties the grain from the center of the bin. As the grain is being removed, the grain at the top of the bin flows toward the center and downward to the auger. A person inside the bin is easily trapped by the flowing grain. Once the person is caught knee-deep in the flowing grain, it is impossible to escape. This can happen in two or three seconds, and a person will be completely submerged in 10 to 15 seconds. A submerged person can survive for some time, although the pressure of the grain will make breathing difficult. However, a rescue is possible if done in a timely manner.
Sometimes the grain on top will mold and form a crust that looks firm enough to walk on. However, there may be voids under the crust and people have fallen through the crust to be submerged. Moldy grain will sometimes cake and form a vertical wall which must be removed after the rest of the grain has been emptied. This wall of grain may collapse and bury a person attempting to clean the bin.
Fumigants used to control weevils and other insect pests inside the grain bin also present a hazard. The chemical may be toxic if inhaled, and it may have displaced the oxygen from the bin. Always determine whether fumigation has taken place recently and test the atmosphere inside before entering. If not certain, wear an SCBA.
One last warning concerns airborne dusts and molds. Always wear at least a MOSH approved toxic dust respirator. Breathing the dusts and molds may cause a reaction called farmer's lung or toxic organic dust syndrome (TODS).
Injuries to Expect
Injuries include suffocation, exposure to fumigation chemicals and respiratory problems from inhalation of dusts and molds.
Rescue Procedures
Shut off power to unloading and filling augers.
If a person is submerged in the grain, turn the aeration fan ON. DO NOT turn on the heater.
Any person entering the grain bin must wear a harness and lifeline manned by two people outside the bin. A respirator must also be worn inside the bin.
If the person is visible from above, a partition can be placed around the patient and grain removed from the patient. A suitable partition may be made of plywood or a large drum with both ends removed. DO NOT attempt to simply pull a person from the grain.
If the person is not visible, the bin must be emptied to locate the patient. DO NOT run the augers. Instead, cut three, four or six holes evenly spaced around the bin. The holes should be four to six feet above the ground. Use an ax, air chisel or other tools which do not create high heat to cut V-or U- shaped holes. After cutting all the holes, open them simultaneously to unload the grain evenly from the bin. when the person is found, close the holes.
Comments rfd@adams.net