July 14, 2005

Take Precautions When Using Grain Augers

Grain augers can be dangerous, according to a North Dakota State University safety expert.

“North Dakota has an average of six reported auger-involved injuries per year, and who knows how many unreported auger-involved accidents,” says George Maher, NDSU Extension Service agricultural safety specialist.

In some cases, victims are pulled into the auger. Other injuries involve the power takeoff shaft.

The most common problem with grain augers is a lack of proper shielding, Maher says. Grain augers should have a safety shield at the intake end. That will prevent a hand or foot that’s drawn into an auger from being severely lacerated or amputated. Shields do not significantly affect the grain feeding into the auger.

Injuries often occur when a worker tries to help the grain flow into the auger.

“Watching the grain flow from a truck box or grain wagon box into the grain auger can be a very boring and mesmerizing task,” Maher says. “The boredom easily leads to playing or toying with the grain and this leads to an injury.”

He recommends that auger owners install the missing safety shields now, before the harvest rush starts. Safety shields are available from implement dealers and are not difficult to attach.

All power takeoff shafts must be shielded, too, he says. Harvesting crews often are in a hurry, which can lead to a PTO accident. Shields are very affordable, dependable and relatively easy to install.

Farm workers also should be concerned about grain augers contacting electric power lines. The grain auger usually is the tallest piece of machinery on the farm and electrical lines generally have a low clearance, Maher says.

Grain augers are effectively insulated since they are mounted on rubber tires. But anyone who is maneuvering a grain auger into position by hand when it comes into contact with an overhead electrical line runs the risk of being electrocuted.

“Look up before moving augers around the grain bins,” Maher says. “Are there electric lines in the way?”

He also has this advice for workers when positioning the auger at the grain bin:

• Don’t exceed the safety stops to limit the height of the auger. An auger will become top heavy if it’s elevated too high and it tends to pivot on its wheels. As it pivots, the lower end will lift upward quickly, taking along anything attached to it or in the way.
• Block the wheels in hilly conditions because the auger can roll out of position easily. Also be sure to keep the center of gravity between the wheels. An auger can tip as it is elevated when it is set up at a slant.

Follow these rules for moving a grain auger on roadways:

• Transport it in a lowered position with red flagging attached to the end of the auger. The lower the machine, the more stable it is.
• Plan ahead for safe clearances. A towed grain auger does not follow the same track as the vehicle pulling it. The auger will make a smaller curve in a turn.
• Keep a “slow-moving vehicle” emblem attached to the grain auger while it’s on the road. Motorists who are following the auger can be confused about how close they are to it.
• Do not move a grain auger on the roadway when visibility is reduced or after dark.

Maher also has this advice: If the auger becomes plugged, always shut it off before attempting to unplug it.

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Source: George Maher, (701) 231-8288, gmaher@ndsuext.nodak.edu
Editor: Ellen Crawford, (701) 231-5391, ecrawfor@ndsuext.nodak.edu

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