Plan ahead to work safely around bridged grain
Bridged grain is one of the biggest hazards when working in a grain bin. When working around bridged grain, it takes just seconds for it to give way and a worker to become completely engulfed and overwhelmed.
The range of dangers — from suffocation to toxic gas exposure — is a call for workers to always put safety first before attempting to remove or break up bridged grain. That starts with developing and implementing an effective grain bridge removal plan for everyone to follow.
Include these steps in your bridged grain plan
Safely removing or breaking up a grain bridge means having specific instruction on:
Small single-manned grain operations or those with seasonal staff face a challenge when bridged grain arises and they need to perform a timely load-out of grain. Determining how to meet the potential need for additional personnel in these situations is key. Having the operational attitude that places safety first and task second will ensure you will find a way for help when problems arise.
How to minimize bridged grain risks
Even the best plan in the world is worth nothing if you can’t communicate it well.
Once you’ve finished your plan, follow it up with education that helps instill the right operational attitude in all workers. Make it clear that safety is your top priority. Demonstrate to yourself and all workers that you know how to take care of bridged grain, have the right procedures in place and follow the right steps to minimize the risk of the work.
If you encounter bridged grain, be quick to communicate it to other workers, farm stakeholders and your general support network. Then follow your plan to ensure everyone stays safe.
If you encounter bridged grain, be quick to communicate it to other workers, farm stakeholders and your general support network. Then follow your plan to ensure everyone stays safe.
Inform workers and anyone near the bin containing bridged grain that you are doing just that — following your plan to fix the problem — and you’re also following the safety protocols it contains. And, let them know you are resisting the urge to break those protocols and are confident you can handle the problem. Finally, let them know that you are prepared to wait for other workers and equipment that you need to break up the bridged grain.
Ultimately, solving problems relating to bridged grain and working safely is a matter of common sense and continued vigilance. Remember this and remind all other farm workers: No grain-related issue is so important that you cannot wait until help arrives, especially as it relates to managing bridged grain. For more grain bin safety tips, be sure to read MyNSightOnline’s Grain Bin Safety Article resources.
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