THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF LABOR IS STRESSING THE IMPORTANCE OF GRAIN BIN SAFETY. 

GRAIN STORAGE IS AN ESSENTIAL PART OF FALL HARVEST, BUT THE AGENCY’S HAP HILEMAN SAYS BINS CAN BE DEADLY.

HILEMAN ADVISES WORKERS TO AVOID ENTERING THE BIN IF POSSIBLE. IF THEY MUST, THEY SHOULD FOLLOW THE “LOCK OUT-TAG OUT” PROTOCOL SO GRAIN IS NOT BEING EMPTIED INTO OR MOVING OUT OF THE BIN. WORKERS SHOULD BE WELL TRAINED AND THE AIR INSIDE TESTED FOR THE PRESENCE OF COMBUSTIBLE AND TOXIC GASES.

IF A WORKER MUST ENTER A GRAIN BIN, IT’S ADVISED TO NEVER GO IN ALONE, TURN OFF AND LOCK ANYTHING THAT CAN MAKE THE GRAIN MOVE AND USE A BODY HARNESS FOR SAFETY.