Another scenario is cleaning caked grain from the sides of a bin. Never clean a bin from the bottom. A third form of entrapment occurs when grain crusts over. After grain is removed from below a crusted surface, a void is developed. This gas is given off by fermenting grain.
Carbon dioxide replaces oxygen in a grain bin and can be deadly.
Ventilate the grain bin before entering. Carbon dioxide cannot be detected by the human senses. Wearing a proper breathing apparatus is needed when entering oxygen limited environments. Answers will appear in next month s newsletter along with the South Carolina Farm Related Fatalities Report for 1999. Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to people of all ages, regardless of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital or family status and is an equal opportunity employer.