Grain Bin Safety Starts with Proper Grain Management

Every year, we’re reminded how dangerous grain storage can be. According to Purdue University, approximately 15-20 documented entrapments occur per year. An estimated 62% of documented grain entrapments result in death and based on historical data, roughly 70% of the documented entrapments occur on farms. 

Held the third full week each February, Grain Bin Safety Week raises awareness to the dangers of working in and around grain bins and the importance of implementing and following safe work procedures. 

Maintaining grain quality in storage can prevent grain spoilage and eliminate the leading cause for bin entry. Take a minute to help prevent grain bin accidents by reviewing these grain management tips. 

Clean grain

Prior to placing grain into storage, it’s important to remove chaff, weed seeds, bees wings and broken and immature kernels. Clean grain improves future aeration and helps reduce the potential for mold growth, heating and quality loss. 

Dry grain

To help ensure grain quality, dry grain to the recommended storage moisture before placing it into the bin. Kernel temperature should remain under 110o F to preserve germination and under 140o F to preserve milling quality. Clean grain prior to drying and avoid drying grain in below freezing temperatures.

Handling grain

Damaged, cracked or broken kernels are more prone to deterioration and microbiological action than good, quality grain. Minimize cracked and broken kernels by handling grain properly. This means minimizing drop heights, using decelerators and cushion boxes, limiting drying air temperature and reducing retention time in the heat sections of grain dryers. A level grain surface is important to controlling grain temperature and insect activity.

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Moisture content and temperature levels

Storing grain with higher than recommended moisture content should be avoided at all times. Grain should be stored in aerated structures and at the lowest possible moisture level for the storage time desired. The longer you plan to store your grain, the drier the grain should be at the time of initial storage. Look for marketing opportunities in lieu of storing high-moisture grain.

Aerate grain

Upon storing grain, reduce grain temperatures to 50o F or less. For optimal winter storage, cool grain to 30 - 35o F or less and maintain low grain temperatures for as long as possible. Move a cooling front completely through and out of the grain mass to minimize condensation and crusting. Seal off and shut down fans to prevent early warm up of grain. During wet or humid weather, aerating is not recommended. 

Check often

Binned grain should be checked once every two weeks during the winter months. Check bins once a week in the fall and when temperatures begin to rise in late winter or early spring. Run aeration fans, check for unusual odors and cover aeration-fan inlets when not in use. Check for roof leaks as part of your regular inspection and repair all bin damage as soon as possible. Be alert for condensation on the inside of the roof.  When using bin-temperature cables, closely monitor grain temperature to determine when to operate aeration fans. Often these cables are too far away from the warm spot to accurately record an increase in temperature.

In addition to proper grain management, understanding the safety precautions and rescue rules can prevent grain bin accidents. It could save a life, including your own. 

The Tennessee Association of Rescue Squads (TARS) is offering grain bin safety and rescue courses specifically designed for emergency responders who may respond to a person or persons trapped in a grain bin or at a grain handling or storage facility. For more information on these upcoming courses, click here. Tennessee Corn has supported TARS with the training equipment needed to provide these safety and rescue training programs across Tennessee.  

Source: https://www.mynsightonline.com/resources/articles/proper-grain-management-techniques