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February, 1997GRAIN STORAGE PROBLEMS ARE INCREASING THE DANGERS TO FARM OPERATORS
Late harvest, immaturity, high moisture levels at harvest, high humidity levels, and in some areas inappropriate drying techniques and storage practices lead, in some years, to unusually high amounts of poor quality corn. The result has been corn that has crusted because of excessive heating and mold damage. Grain spoilage increases the personal danger to farmers who are trying to remove the crop from storage. In 1996, after the corn crop was put into storage, there were at least a half dozen reported deaths in the mid-west corn belt due to grain entrapment. Most involved removing grain from storage and one involved a wagon load of crusted grain that flipped over when it became unbalanced during unloading, burying the farmer underneath the remaining grain. In addition, conditions that encouraged mold growth increased the potential for exposure to high concentrations of mold spores that can lead to severe respiratory illnesses. Flowing Grain Entrapments Generally, stored grain presents few hazards, but flowing grain increases the risk of entrapment and suffocation. Over the years, hundreds of deaths have occurred in bins that appeared to pose no danger. An unsuspecting farmer who enters a grain bin with the unloader running may be caught in the grain flow before realizing what has happened. It takes only four or five seconds for a person to submerge to the point where he or she is helpless. And it takes fewer than 20 seconds to be completely submerged in flowing grain at the center of the bin. Flowing grain entrapments fall into four primary categories: Engulfment in a Flowing Column of Grain: Entrapment or suffocation most often occurs when an individual enters a bin during the unloading process and is drawn into a flowing column of grain. As the bin empties out the bottom, a rapidly moving column of grain forms over the outlet. This vertical column of grain acts somewhat like a fluid, and it flows down through the grain mass at nearly the rate of the unloading auger. The rate of flow at the center top of a bin is so great that once a person is trapped in the flow, escape is impossible. Once engulfed in the flow of grain, the victim is rapidly drawn to the floor of the bin. The potential of entanglement with the bottom unloading auger is also a possibility. Collapse of Horizontal CrustedGrain Surface: Entrapments and suffocations are possible when an individual enters a bin in which the surface of the grain has become caked because of spoilage. The surface appears solid, but can, in fact, be a thin crust concealing a void that forms as the grain is removed. The victim breaks through the crust and is quickly covered by the avalanche of grain collapsing into the cavity. Often the unloading equipment is still operating, which causes the victim to be pulled even deeper into the grain mass. Collapse of Vertical Crusted Grain Surface: On occasion, farmers have been buried beneath a collapsed wall of free-standing grain. Dry grain in good condition will pile at a 30 degree angle. Spoiled or caked grain can stand almost vertical. As grain is removed from the base of a caked mass, the potential for an avalanche and engulfment increases. This type of engulfment also can take place inside bins where the spoiled grain is clinging to the bin walls. Attempting to remove these chunks of grain from below using a long pole can be extremely dangerous for those standing inside the bin. Long poles used outside the bin have contacted nearby overhead power lines, resulting in injuries from electrical shock and deaths. Entrapment or Suffocation in Grain Transport Vehicles: The risk of engulfment also is present around grain transport vehicles such as wagons and trucks. With the high-volume capacity of many on-farm storage facilities, it is not difficult to imagine someone being covered over in seconds during an unloading operation. Historically, many of the victims of this type of suffocation, historically, have been children. At least one death has been reported in the mid-west corn belt that involved a wagon load of grain that flipped over onto the operator during unloading. This was caused by crusted grain stacked up on one side of the wagon causing the unit to be unbalanced. Preventing Flowing Grain Entrapments Suffocation and entrapment in grain storage facilities don't have to happen. The following safety tips are designed to protect you and others.
Respiratory Hazards Even a small amount of spoiled grain can produce millions of tiny mold spores, which easily become airborne when disturbed. Airborne mold spores can be inhaled through the nose and mouth, irritating sensitive lung tissue and in some individuals causing reactions so severe that hospitalization is necessary. Farmers working without respiratory protection inside a bin or other grain storage facility in which moldy grain is present are especially vulnerable to mold reactions. Use a disposible respirator mask with two face straps to filter out mild and dust. A 3-M brand #8710* or equivalent brand will filter mold spore down to 5 micron in size. A proper fit is necessary; follow fitting instructions on the package. When handling any grain where mold damage is present, the use of an appropriate respirator is essential. This applies even to truckers, scale operators, and those supervising the dumping operations at an elevator. After exposure to high concentrations of mold spores, it is important to change clothing (or use disposable overalls) to avoid bringing the mold spores home and exposing family members. If you do become ill after exposure to moldy grain, consult your physician and make him or her aware of your activities. Medical attention may be necessary in some cases. Preventing Falls The more frequently a farmer has to climb and enter a bin to complete the unloading, the greater the risk of falling. It is likely that the greater level of storage problems this year will result in more injuries from slips and falls around bins and transport equipment. The potential for falls can be reduced by:
If Someone Is Entrapped in Flowing Grain ... If someone does become entrapped in flowing grain, an appropriate response is critical if there is to be any chance of survival. First shut off all equipment, then call for emergency assistance. Make sure that the dispatcher is informed of the nature of the accident, specific location, and directions if needed. If the bin is equipped with an aeration blower, turn it on to increase the flow of air through the bin. This may help the entrapped person to breathe. While waiting for the emergency rescue units, assemble any equipment that will assist with the rescue. This would include front-end loaders, shovels, plywood for coffer dams, and portable augers. The only successful technique for removal of a person submerged in grain is to cut the bin and remove the grain from around the victim. This should be accomplished by the trained rescuers and after careful consideration of the structure involved. Cutting into a bin without proper tools and techniques can result in injury to those who make the attempt. For more information on grain bin rescue, consult NRAES-10, Farm Accident Rescue, which is available from the Plan Service Secretary, Agricultural Engineering Dept., Michigan State University, E. Lansing MI 48824 (517-353-3297). Summary All of the grain in storage is not worth the life of one farmer, and there is no reason that there ever should be another victim of a flowing grain entrapment. If everyone involved is patient and follows the few basic strategies outlined above, not only will the '96 crop reach the market safely, but everyone involved also will be around to enjoy the rewards from its sale. ---------- * Reference to specific brand names is for educational purposes only, and does not constitute an endorsement of that product by the authors or by Michigan State University to the exclusion of similar products.
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