News

Grain Bin Safety Week February 18th – 24th

The director of the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety is asking farmers to reconsider entering grain bins.

“The farmer needs to ask themselves if they really need to go in the bin.  Is there something they can do from outside the bin instead of having to go inside.”

Dan Neenan says if a farmer decides to enter a bin, there are some essential safety steps to follow.

“We need to lock-out and tag-out the power source to the auger.  If you get in the bin with the auger turned on, or if you’re in the bin and somebody turns the auger on inadvertently, it can pull you to your waist in 15 seconds and completely submerge you within 30 (seconds).”

He also recommends being at least 18 years old before entering a grain bin, ensuring good air quality inside the confined space, wearing a body harness, and following the rule Neenan says is broken most on the farm.

“Entering into the bin should be a minimum of a two person job.  The person entering into the bin, and then there needs to be a reliable attendant outside who’s one and only job is to watch what’s going on inside the bin.”

He tells Brownfield the attendant should NOT enter the bin if there’s trouble, but instead call emergency services.

Grain Bin Safety Week is being observed February 18^th through the 24^th.