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!

  1. LOTO!!!! All unloading equipment and other energy sources.
  2. Check oxygen levels!
  3. GET TRAINING BEFORE ENTERING A BIN!!
  4. NEVER alone!  ALWAYS have an observer to assist in an emergency.
  5. Use a harness and lifeline! (A lifeline or rope can help to find you more quickly if you do become engulfed).
  6. ALWAYS stay ABOVE the grain!
  7. Entering a bin should be a last resort.  Use alternatives first when possible.
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.