Although current grain prices remain relatively low, the value of an average load delivered to elevators, feed/flour mills, distilleries, and other buyers amounts to several thousand dollars. 

To protect that value, all grains stored in farm bins can best be protected by monitoring them closely, either remotely or visually, by collecting samples from inside the bin to check for stable temperature and moisture conditions, condensation accumulation in the headspace, insect and mold activity, and other problems.

With warming seasonal temperatures, it’s a good idea to do this at least twice a month from May through October when average monthly temperatures are above 60°F.

One area of the bin susceptible to condensation from the roof and frequently infested is the grain surface, so samples should be taken with a deep cup probe from the roof hatch and the side door. Another area for common problems is near the center of the bin, which is the preferred location for temperature cables.

Although entering a grain bin is not generally recommended, it is often the only way to break up clumped grain or remove spoiled grain, when necessary, in which case all safe entry procedures are essential to avoid entrapment, suffocation and death.

Safe scouting of stored grain starts with a review of the steps that will be taken, making all workers and local emergency service providers in the area aware of the activity, access to a well-charged cell phone or other communication device, a lock for the unloading augers, and a thorough inspection of the PPE to be used (N-95 dust mask or respirator, climbing harness, heavy rope/lifeline, and a lug-soled boots). 

Another critical safety rule is never entering a grain bin without an observer present. The observer controls the lifeline, and they should maintain constant visual focus and communication. 

One item often lacking in most farm bins is an adequate anchor for a lifeline, even though these have been promoted in safety training exercises for over a decade. An illustration of the components of this vital fall restraint system, which was developed by the Grain Handling Safety Coalition, is illustrated in Figure 1. 

It is imperative to understand that the minimum design point load for anchor points at the wall and the top of the bin is 5,000 pounds, so ladder rungs and roof supports are inadequate. Grain bin manufacturers can recommend proper anchor locations for their product line. 

Farmers and hired workers can safely enter and exit grain bins and prevent accidents and injuries by following these procedures. 

More resources:

Grain Handling Safety Coalition

AEN-39 - Suffocation Hazards in Grain Bins

AEN-45 - Aeration, Inspection and Sampling of Grain in Storage Bins

OSHA Fact Sheet - Worker Entry into Grain Storage Bins

Graint Bin Entrapment and Engulfment - Causes, Prevention and Rescue (University of Arkansas)

2023 Summary of US Agricultural Confined Space-related Injuries and Fatalities (Purdue University)