Because none of the engulfments and subsequent suffocations were witnessed, recognition of most cases and initiation of rescue efforts were delayed. GL Wahl, MS, SE Folken, DJ Boyle, DVM, DL Parker, MD, Minnesota Dept of Health. No reliable estimates are available for nonfatal incidents. Because grain bin interior doors are designed to open inward, side doors cannot be opened during rescue efforts when grain levels are above the entry doors. Suffocations in grain bins usually occur when bins are being emptied.
Suffocation also can occur if a worker enters a bin containing caked, frozen, or spoiled grain.
During January-June 1996, three suffocations were reported in Minnesota. Workers should never enter grain storage structures while grain is being loaded or unloaded. Workers should never enter storage areas below grain that is adhering to side walls. In addition, all conveying equipment, whether automatic or manual, should be shut off, locked, and tagged to prevent inadvertent operation. When breaking up surface crusts, workers should remain positioned outside the bin and use a wooden pole or a weighted line to dislodge the crusted grain.