The hazards associated with grain bins are often underestimated until an emergency happens. The reality is, being trapped in a grain bin is a perilous situation, requiring more than just brute force for rescue. Pulling someone waist-deep in grain requires over 400 pounds of force, a task that risks severe injury or worse if not handled with precision and understanding.
First responders and facility personnel need to know how to respond to a grain bin emergency.
In the simplest terms, a grain bin rescue will consist of 3 steps:
Preparation: Rescuers should be equipped with proper PPE for respiratory safety and to ensure they do not also become entrapped in the grain. Power to the auger should also be turned off.
Assessment and Setup: Use flat grates to enter the grain bin safely without adding extra pressure to the victim, and making it easier to move around. Use probes to assess the position of limbs under the grain.
Extraction: Place shields around the victim to keep material from continuing to flow toward them. Remove grain from around the victim, and pull them out.
Of course, each of these steps can vary greatly based on the unique situation of each emergency. Grain bin rescues are complex and require specific knowledge and skills to be conducted safely, such as the careful consideration of how many rescuers should enter the bin and the use of specific equipment like shields and platforms to minimize risk and ensure a successful rescue.
Proper education and training for grain bin rescue includes a deep understanding of grain storage facility types, their construction and operational features, alongside OSHA regulations and the identification of physical-environmental hazards.
Proper training and preparation for grain bin emergencies should include:
Scene Management and Safety: Strategies for securing the scene and ensuring the safety of both the victim and the rescue team.
Victim Locating and Packaging: Techniques for locating, securing and safely moving the victim.
Use of Equipment: Instruction on improvised mechanical advantage systems, high point anchors, and retrieval systems.
Hands-On Rescue Simulations: Practical exercises covering patient assessment, stabilization, protection, packaging, and removal.
Safety managers, operations managers, and all personnel involved in grain handling and storage should understand proper safety procedures, and can greatly benefit from enhancing their safety protocols and preparedness for grain bin emergency situations. It can make a life-saving difference.
Source:
Rolly Walker, General Manager at Arnco Safety - rwalker@arncosafety.com