Grain Handling & Engulfment
Flowing grain acts like quicksand. A worker standing on grain while it’s being unloaded can be pulled under and trapped within seconds, and buried completely soon after. Grain dust can also explode.
- General Industry
- Agriculture
How engulfment happens
- Flowing grain: walking on grain while the bin is being unloaded
- Grain bridges: a crust over a hollow space that collapses under you
- Grain walls: vertical piles of grain that collapse onto you
Before anyone enters a bin
- Entry permit issued
- Lock out all augers, conveyors and unloading equipment
- Body harness with a lifeline, rigged so it stops you from sinking
- Trained observer (attendant) outside with communication and rescue equipment
- Air tested for oxygen and toxic or flammable gases
- Break up bridges and walls from outside the bin whenever possible
Never walk down grain to make it flow. If someone is trapped, call 911, shut off all unloading equipment, and don’t enter without a lifeline and trained rescuers.
Grain dust
Grain dust is explosive. Keep dust levels down, control ignition sources, and follow hot work permits. See Combustible Dust.
Standards & references
- 29 CFR 1910.272: Grain handling facilities
- OSHA: Grain handling
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