Before entering any structure where bulk materials are being stored, be aware of the hazards!!!
Entering any storage structure, including grain bins, silos, flat storage, and even outside ground piles can be dangerous! You can be overcome due to the harmful or poisonous gases, explosion possibilities, entrapment and even dust in the air can be deadly.
Machine operators and workers should strictly follow the safety procedures outlined in the manuals and company policies before entering any storage structure.
RECOGNIZING THE HAZARDS
- Know what material is being stored and the associated hazards.
- Respiratory hazard – Dust from materials, especially grains can affect people in a variety of ways.
To help reduce and prevent allergic reactions, workers should wear proper protective gear. Ventilate fumigated bins for several hours or longer before entry.
Upon entry, wear a respirator suitable for protection from dust or chemicals present. (for example, if grain is moldy, then a HEPA (high efficiency filter) cartridge will be needed for the respirator.) - Fire and explosion hazard – A build up of grain dust can be ignited by a heat source such as fire, sparks, or even a hot bearing. When contained dust is mixed with air, an explosion can occur.
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Entrapment – “Flowing Grain” is a term used to describe the down and outward movement of grain from a storage as a funnel is formed and the grain flows toward the bottom center of the cone. If pulled under the surface, suffocation is likely to occur. In a few seconds, grain can be above the knee or even waist level, making escape difficult or impossible. NEVER ENTER A GRAIN BIN WHEN GRAIN IS BEING REMOVED!! |
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Collapse of horizontal crusted grain surface:- A thin layer of crusted, spoiled grain can conceal voids beneath the surface. A victim who breaks through this crust is quickly covered as a avalanche of grain collapses into the cavity. |
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Collapse of vertical crusted grain surfaces: - Spoiled or caked grain and meals can stand almost vertically, As grain or meal is removed from the base of the caked mass, the potential for an avalanche and engulfment increases dramatically. |
REDUCING THE RISKS
- A worker entering a material storage structure should have a body harness tethered to a life-line that is manned by (2) other workers outside the bin. One worker should be able to see the man inside the bin or structure at all times!!
- Never enter the bin or structure with the grain flowing!!
- You should be very wary about a grain bin’s history before entering. Get help if the grain surface apears moldy or caked. Get at least two helpers and wear a tether and
- safety harness. Strike the surface hard with a pole or long-handled tool before entry. Probe through the top layer to determine if there is a crusted surface. Never get out of communication with your co-workers.
- If material has been removed from the bottom of the bin and stops discharging for any reason, do not enter the bin from the top without a body harness tethered to a life-line manned by co-workers.
- Don’t fail to lock out/tag out related power for bottom unloading equipment before entering any bin or structure.
- Use appropriate breathing apparatus.
- Always try other means first to alleviate a problem without entering the structure.
SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS WHEN USING A PNEUMATIC CONVEYING MACHINE (“GRAIN VAC”)
- Do not walk on top of the grain in a grain bin or flat storage if the material is more than 1 ½ meters – waist high unless another person is present and you are equipped with a safety line.
- Do not operate the “Grain-vac” without an intake nozzle equipped with a functioning air adjustment gate. (The gate can be opened and stop or greatly slow down the grain from being sucked into the intake nozzle).
- Do not position the intake nozzle near or between your feet when standing on top of the material. Enough material can be removed or vacuumed to draw the operator and intake nozzle into the grain.
- Position an observer close by who can communicate with a person at the controls of the machine to shut down the machine in an emergency.
- Vacuum operators as well as workers using other unloading equipment must be very cautious when working in grain or other material that does not flow freely, stick together or has spoiled.
- Grain vacuum operators should move the intake nozzle frequently to avoid the formation of a cone, thereby keeping the surface of the material relatively level. They should work from the outside wall, moving inward, to reduce the risk of engulfment.
- Follow all safety precautions noted on the equipment and in the operators manual. They should be familiar with recommended emergence procedures.
