The majority of engulfments occur when unloading equipment is running. ALWAYS LOTO (Lock out/Tag out) unloading equipment and other energy sources before entering a bin! |
Entanglement in PTO’s, augers, and other moving equipment is one of the leading causes of injury and death. PROPER GUARDING is a MUST to prevention of injuries. Don’t remove guards, keep them in good repair, guard all moving parts. |
Entering a grain bin or silo? Follow these rules!
- LOTO!!!! All unloading equipment and other energy sources.
- Check oxygen levels!
- GET TRAINING BEFORE ENTERING A BIN!!
- NEVER alone! ALWAYS have an observer to assist in an emergency.
- Use a harness and lifeline! (A lifeline or rope can help to find you more quickly if you do become engulfed).
- ALWAYS stay ABOVE the grain!
- Entering a bin should be a last resort. Use alternatives first when possible.
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Out of condition grain poses one of the greatest risks for entrapment/engulfment. Crusted grain signals DANGER! You should normally sink about 12” (ankle deep) when walking on corn. If you aren’t sinking – GET OUT! There is a high potential to break through the crust and become entrapped or engulfed. |
Flowing grain is the MOST DANGEROUS. It acts like quicksand. It continually flows to fill in holes. The flow creates a suction to pull you under. |
The faster grain flows the faster you become submerged. Grain only needs to remove the body volume of a person to completely cover you. The average body volume is 5-7 cubic feet. It can take as little as 5 seconds to become totally engulfed. An average 10 inch auger unloading at a rate of 4,086 bushels per hour will completely engulf a person in just under 60 seconds. |
The faster grain flows the faster you become submerged. Grain only needs to remove the body volume of a person to completely cover you. The average body volume is 5-7 cubic feet. It can take as little as 5 seconds to become totally engulfed. An average 10 inch auger unloading at a rate of 4,086 bushels per hour will completely engulf a person in just under 60 seconds. |
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