How to reduce grain handling and storage hazards

Handling and storing grain are dangerous tasks that expose farmers to numerous hazards.

Power take-off (PTO) entanglements and suffocation from grain engulfment or entrapment are two of the most common incidents involving grain. 

Why it matters: Keeping stored grain in good condition and following recommended safety measures when working with grain can prevent incidents.

To reduce safety risks, farmers should prepare grain bins ahead of harvest. The Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA) recommends removing garbage and clutter from areas around bins to ease unloading and reduce fire and tripping hazards.

James Dyck, crop systems and environment engineering specialist with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), suggests cleaning bins and the surrounding areas thoroughly to remove old grain that could contaminate the new crop and attract insects, mould and rodents.

“You’re trying to give yourself the best opportunity to keep the grain in good condition for as long as possible, and that starts with making sure the bin itself is clean,” he says.

Dyck encourages farmers to look under bin floors at least every five years, and more often in bins that see lots of use. Floor holes may be small but dust and fines move through them and can build up over time.

“Cut a hole a few inches square, stick your phone down and take some pictures to see how deep the fines are,” Dyck says, adding that it’s a good idea to cut the hole on the opposite side from the fan and cover it with a steel plate so it can be used for future checks.

If the buildup is significant, he encourages farmers to pull up the floor and clean it out to remove insects and mould. This will also improve the effectiveness of aeration fans.

It is also important to inspect aeration systems and grain handling equipment ahead of the busy season. Wiring should be inspected for fraying, corrosion or cracks. Belts on augers, bin sweeps and conveyors should be secure and in good working order.

Rob Gobeil, agricultural health and safety specialist with CASA, says safety guards are often removed for service purposes but any part that came with a guard should have a guard put back on before use.

Moving grain

When operating grain handling equipment, keep body parts, clothing and hair away from the PTO. Instead of stepping across a rotating power shaft, walk around.

Do not use hands or feet to help grain flow into the auger. If the auger becomes plugged, wait until the machine is shut off and all moving parts come to a stop before clearing the jam.

To prevent dust inhalation when moving grain from combines to trucks or wagons and then into bins, wear respiratory protective equipment (RPE) such as a dust mask or N-95 air-purifying particulate respirator.

Storing grain

When it comes to safe storage, Dyck reminds farmers to pay attention to initial grain quality.

“Grain needs to be dry enough that it’s not going to spoil in the bin,” he says. “If the crop is damp but doesn’t necessarily need a dryer, putting it in a bin and running a good aeration fan can bring it down by a point or two.”

Keeping grain cool and dry prevents spoilage from insects, mould and disease, which is crucial to maintain quality and safety.

“The leading cause of grain entrapment situations is product that has gone out of condition,” Gobeil says.

Out of condition grain clumps up, crusts over on the surface and scales up the bin walls. It is likely to clog when handled and that’s often when a farmer enters the bin even when dangerous to do so.

Dyck recommends coring the bin within two days of filling it. This involves removing a cylindrical core of grain, two to three feet in diameter around the unload auger, where most of the fines and damaged grain accumulate.

Aeration fans should be run regularly to keep grain temperature constant and moisture equalized. Using the weather as a gauge, a rule of thumb is to run fans when the outdoor temperature falls by five to 10 degrees.

Regularly monitoring the appearance and smell of stored grain is important. If signs of insects or mould arise, Dyck suggests emptying the bin as quickly as possible and choosing a course of action such as cleaning.

Confined spaces

If a bin with grain inside must be entered, CASA recommendations include planning an escape and having one or two people watching outside. The watchers should be aware of the hazards and have clear instructions on what to do in an emergency.