Submitted by: agcomm,  Thu Dec 11 09:42:28 1997


                         December 11,1997
 
Specialist Urges Caution At Grain Bins
 
     Ladders, moving equipment, electricity and flowing grain can
be significant hazards at grain bins, notes a North Dakota State
University agricultural safety specialist. 
     "Stored grain requires periodic management to prevent
spoilage or insect damage," notes George Maher of the NDSU
Extension Service.  "Producers need to keep in mind that working
around grain bins anytime, but especially in the winter, presents
some significant safety concerns."
     In most situations, checking on grain involves climbing bin
ladders, Maher notes. Before you climb a bin ladder, inspect it
thoroughly before you put any weight on it.  Make sure the ladder
and steps are firmly attached.  Is the surface of steps slippery
with ice or other material?  Are steps missing?
     "This is an area where preventive maintenance always pays,"
Maher says. The number of falls from grain bins is unknown
because most are unreported, but at least three serious injuries
occurred because of falls from grain bins in 1995, Maher notes. 
     A fall to unfrozen sod is less likely to produce as serious
an injury than a fall to concrete, equipment, tools or scrap
iron, he says. Keep bin sites clear of scrap iron and other
materials.  
     Other risks center around grain handling.  Venturing into
bins as grain is being removed is dangerous.  Flowing grain can
rapidly trap you and bridged grain can collapse resulting in a
fall or entrapment.  Maher recommends working with a partner and
entering binds only as a last resort and with safety ropes or
ladders available. 
     Workers also need to be aware of augers and power-take-off
shafts, belts and other moving equipment.
     "Loose clothing, a misstep or inattentiveness can result in
death or serious injury," Maher notes.  Shields and other safety
equipment should be in place and in good working order.
     Finally, Maher notes that metal bins and augers, combined
with moisture from snow, ice or rain, are all excellent
electrical conductors  "Make sure that electrical equipment is
grounded and in good repair.  Be especially cautious of temporary
electrical connections such as extension cords," he says.
                              ###
NDSU Agriculture Commuication
Source: George Maher (701) 231-8288
Editor: Tom Jirik (701) 231-9629