OSHA warning residents of dangers wet weather has on grain bins

ajc.com

Credit: Robert Alexander

Credit: Robert Alexander

With wet weather conditions and spring on the horizon, workers are being warned about the risk of engulfment in grain bins.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is warning workers not to step on grain that has bridged or clumped together.

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“Workers who step onto the bridge to loosen grain from side walls can be buried if the bridge collapses or caues and avalanche under the worker’s weight,” OSHA said in a news release.

OSHA is providing the following guidelines for those working in grain bins:

  • Never walk on the grain to make it flow
  • Use a rod or vibration system to break up clumped grain from a safe location
  • Train workers and provide them with body harnesses
  • Disconnect all powered equipment
  • Make sure there is enough oxygen inside the tank before entering
  • Have a rescue-trained observer stationed outside and in constant contact with the worker

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