Therefore, a person falling into this void may be forced to breathe toxic gases and microbial spores even if his head stays above the level of the surrounding grain. Safety hazards in grain bins are not limited to those with bottom unloading augers. Gravity unloaded bins may present a similar danger through bridging or unloading. A definite danger exists with wet holding bins that feed automatic-batch grain dryers. Flowing grain hazards, in addition to mold and dust health hazards, exist when working with grain that has gone out of condition or has built up in a tall pile.
Grain is heavy.
People who hear of suffocations like this are often surprised to lear that the victim was under only a shallow pile. THE RISK Below are listed six rules for avoiding accidents in grain bins. Do not depend on being able to communicate from the inside to the outside of the bin. It is difficult to hear any circumstances, especially when unloading equipment or drying fans are in operation. The use of prearranged arm and hand signals is suggested under these conditions.