December 18, 2003

 

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Work With Care When Opening Grain Bins

Falling is the most common cause of injury at home and work, according to George Maher, North Dakota State University Extension Service safety specialist. "Falls account for as many as 10 percent of the injuries and 8.5 percent of the fatalities on farms. A number of these falls are from grain storage facilities."

What the victim falls on usually determines the extent of the injuries. Falling on grass is less likely to produce as serious an injury as a fall on concrete or pieces of scrap iron. "Falling on snow would not seem dangerous, but objects covered by the snow cause the most injuries during the winter months," Maher says. "An excellent safety practice is keeping grain bin sites clear of scrap iron and other materials."

Slippery, broken or loose ladder rungs and handholds on the bin are usually to blame for falling off a bin. Repair loose ladder rungs or handholds as soon as they are discovered, otherwise, it may be your hands that pull the ladder or handhold loose as you slip from a step or the roof.

Conditions at the top of the bin such as wind and fumes from grain treating can also cause falls. Grain that has been treated for insects should be inspected with care. It’s common for farm workers to inspect grain bins during the winter because bins should be inspected at least twice a month for insects and grain condition.

"Try to be at the side of the bin door or hatch when you open it," Maher says. "It is not advisable to be upwind or downwind when opening the door or hatch cover because inhaling the fumes that may swirl around you could cause a fall. Every bin that contains fumigant-treated grain should be avoided until the expiration date has passed. Grain fumigants are hazardous and highly toxic and can cause dizziness, nausea or loss of consciousness. Obviously, you are in serious danger of falling if you get dizzy or blackout at the top of a grain bin or a bin ladder."

The re-entry schedule after bins have been treated is important. Always follow the fumigant label instructions. Bins treated with fumigants should not be entered for at least 72 hours. Checking bins too soon can be dangerous. Always follow the instructions on the warning sign posted on a treated bin.

"It is never a good idea to be the only person at the bin site when climbing on the bin or entering the bin," Maher says. "Always have another person on the ground. That individual can go for help if you should fall or get into trouble."

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Source: George Maher, (701) 231-8288, george.maher@ndsu.nodak.edu
Editor: Rich Mattern, (701) 231-6136, richard.mattern@ndsu.nodak.edu