Developed by: Purdue University Agricultural Safety and Health Program Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering West Lafayette, IN

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1 Developed by: Purdue University Agricultural Safety and Health Program Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering West Lafayette, IN This material was produced under grant number SH23575SH2 from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor. It does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Department of Labor, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsements by the U.S. Government. 1

2 Discuss the operational assumptions under which emergencies at grain storage and handling facilities should be responded to List the immediate action steps that should be taken when notified of an emergency at a grain storage and handling facility Identify action steps that should be taken upon arrival at the scene Describe the hazard assessment process Describe the speed of engulfment in grain and the forces required to pull a trapped victim from grain Describe the two primary approaches to grain rescue 2

3 The recommendations and procedures presented are solely for educational purposes. There is no claim made concerning the effectiveness of any method or procedure in any specific circumstances. 3

4 1. Victim(s) cannot self-extricate 2. The site will be under the supervision of an Incident Commander 3. Tactical rescue teams may not be readily available to provide a timely response 4. Site owner/supervisor is available for consultation 5. Some level of pre-planning has taken place 4

5 Entrapment/Engulfment/Asphyxiation/Entanglement 1.Determine the precise nature and location of the incident from the caller 2.Activate mutual aid 3.Request that emergency medical services and law enforcement respond to the scene 4.Request assistance from local or regional tactical rescue team 5.Implement pre-planning steps to direct grain handling and transport equipment to the scene 5

6 1. Establish and maintain perimeter 2. Confirm the location and number of victims 3. STOP anyone from entering a structure in which an entrapment, engulfment, asphyxiation, or entanglement has occurred 4. Lockout and secure all relevant energized equipment 5. Assess immediate hazards to first responders 6. Establish locations for placing emergency vehicles 7. Consult with owner/supervisor of site 8. Develop a response plan 6

7 Recognize limitations of: Personnel Equipment Request needed resources Hold personnel accountable for complying with established procedures 7

8 1. Location of victim (confined space, flowing material, high elevation) 2. Presence of toxic atmosphere 3. Presence of crusted or bridged material 4. Proximity of LP gas storage 5. Proximity of overhead power lines 6. Presence of energized equipment 7. Untrained personnel assisting with the rescue 8. Bin steps and ladders have a 350LB limit 8

9 Consider the following provisions: Responders should only do what they have been trained to do Permit vs. non-permit confined space classification should be determined Monitoring of atmosphere Entering under bridged or crusted material Depth of grain Use of lifeline and harness Use of trained observers 9

10 Approximately half of all documented grain bin entrapments and engulfments have resulted in fatalities Victims have survived complete engulfment in free flowing grain, but very few 10

11 1. Flowing grain 2. Collapse of horizontally crusted grain surface 3. Collapse of vertically crusted grain surface 4. Grain transport vehicles 5. Use of grain vacuum machines 6. Outdoor pile avalanche 7. Storage structure failure 11

12 Partial entrapment Upper body of the victim is above the grain surface Self extrication is not possible Victim may be located inside a confined space Complete engulfment Victim is not visible on the grain surface Exact location may be unknown Length of time submerged may be unknown Victim may be located inside a confined space 12

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15 1. Removing the grain from around the victim Using grain vacuum from the top Cutting open the structure 2. Isolating the victim using a grain containment device or grain rescue tube Separates victim from grain mass Reduces the amount of grain needing to be removed Provides safer access to victim 15

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17 1. Substantial manpower 2. Large capacity material handling equipment 3. Understanding of structural limitations 4. Appropriate cutting equipment 17

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19 Cut high Avoid struts and stiffeners Cut away from bolted seams Cut openings at 12, 6, 3 and 9 o clock Consult with a structural engineer or manufacturer if in doubt 19

20 Do not enter the bin it will only add additional risk to the victim if still alive Do not turn on any unloading equipment Turn on aeration equipment The victim is most likely directly beneath the inverted cone or directly over the opening in the floor, do turn on fans at the storage structure Engulfment rarely involves entanglement in the in floor auger Remove the grain 20

21 1. Why are calls to 911 delayed? 2. What problems develop due to delayed calls for assistance? 3. What added risks to first responders are generated by delayed calls? 21

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25 Case Study #3 Successful Grain Bin Rescue 25

26 Case Study #3 Use of Inside Bin Ladder 26

27 Case Study #3 Successful Use of Grain Rescue Tube 27

28 Case Study #3 Removing Grain from the Bin 28

29 Case Study #3 Moving Evacuated Grain 29

30 Case study #3 Bin Openings from Inside 30

31 Case Study #3 Providing a Working Platform 31

32 Case Study #3 Potential Electrical and LP Gas Hazards 32

33 Case Study #3 Removal of the Victim 33

34 Case Study #3 Use of Medical Helicopter 34

35 1. The best rescue is one that never happens 2. Never enter an emergency situation alone 3. Use confined space entry procedures or best practices available 4. Conduct a hazard assessment 5. Have a plan 6. Remember who is the most important person at the scene: YOU! 35

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