This can occur in three ways:
- When emptying a grain bin
- After emptying, when a bridge of grain forms
- When a wall of grain falls
When emptying a bin, a quicksand effect is created in the center of the bin. In just 15 seconds, a person can be swept away, buried and potentially killed. Know that you have about three seconds to react and avoid such a risk!
The risk of grain bridging arises mainly when grain is not stored properly. For example, aerating grain in poor conditions will increase its moisture content. Rehydrating the grain above the bin will cause it to swell, increase compaction and harden the top layer of grain in your bin. Once this phenomenon has occurred, the grain will remain in place during emptying. What's more, if someone ventures into the bin, engulfment is inevitable.
When grain forms columns or a wall, falling from them is extremely dangerous! Although seemingly harmless, a few inches of grain are enough to cover you and prevent you from getting up again. Worse still, in its fall, the mass of grain will throw you to the ground, knocking you unconscious and preventing you from getting up again. Incidents of this kind have already occurred in Quebec, and unfortunately continue to do so. When former UPA-Estrie president François Bourassa died last year, rescue workers reported that the deceased worker was covered by just over a foot of grain.
To reduce overall risk, employee training on the specific hazards around bins is crucial. Keep in mind that good drying and storage practices can greatly reduce your exposure to hazards. Before the danger catches up with you, put clear safety procedures in place to effectively protect everyone who visits your grain center. Want to find out more about the various risks surrounding grain bins? Read more on the agrilog blog.