Safety Tips

 

General Safety Precautions

  • Never smoke near a grain bin
  • Wear respiratory protection when appropriate
  • Ensure that all machine guarding equipment is in working order
 
 

Fumigation Safety 

  • Ventilate a fumigating silo before entering
  • Open phosphine containers while in open air and wear protection gear
  • Always fumigate with a co-worker nearby in case of an emergency
  • Mark areas being fumigated with signs
 
 

Avoiding Grain Suffocation

  • Never enter a silo unless it is absolutely necessary
  • Always turn off auger and ensure that no one is going to empty or fill the silo before entering
  • Stand on a ladder above compacted or bridged grain while dislodging it
 

Protection Against Falls

  • Use an approved fall restraint system and harness when climbing external ladders
  • Install a wire mesh guard on external openings above the maximum grain level
 

If You Become Trapped by Grain

  • Shield your face and chest with your arms to create space to breathe
  • Have your co-worker call for help
  • Co-worker should enter the grain bin ONLY while wearing breathing apparatus and lifeline
  • Others from outside can then pull you both out safely

Information sourced from McGriff Insurance Services, Inc.

 

For more grain safety tips, click here: Don’t become a statistic: Grain bin safety tips | Integrated Crop Management