Guides & Toolkits

FLOWING GRAIN ENTRAPMENT 2 800-AOW-01-IADO © 2019, Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) 1 877 494 WSPS (9777) | 905 614 1400 | wsps.ca Preventing flowing grain entrapment Be sure to train family, employees, and visitors about the dangers of flowing grain Display prominent warning decals or signs on all entrances to the bin Turn off and lock out power controls to unloading conveyors before entering a bin Ensure worker uses a body harness connected to a lifeline secured to the outside of the bin – have two observers (or more) during bin entry Prevent unauthorized entry by securing the grain bin at all times Entrapment in grain transport vehicles Many entrapments and suffocations have occurred in high capacity grain transport equipment. Victims are either buried during loading from combine or storage, or drawn into the flow of grain as a vehicle is being unloaded. There is a higher victim rate of this type of accident with youth under 16 years of age – all children should be supervised at all times, don't allow children to enter grain transport equipment! Collapse of a grain bridge (horizontal crusted grain surfaces) A grain bridge is a thin surface-layer of crusted, spoiled grain which can conceal voids beneath the surface. If a worker walks on the crusted surface, the additional weight will cause the crust to break and collapse, and the worker will be partially or completely submerged immediately (see Figure 2). The worker could move 4 or 5 feet from the point of entry making locating the person difficult. Preventing grain bridges To detect a grain bridge, look for an inverted cone or funnel after unloading from a bin Using a safety harness and lifeline, use a pole or a weighted line to free the bridge Never stand on the surface of the grain Use proper storage techniques to avoid conditions that cause spoilage Figure 2: Grain bridge collapse Source: North Dakota State University Agriculture and University Extension WSPS.CA

• Cover