Delaware County Emergency Management Shares Grain Bin Safety Tips

This is National Grain Bin Safety Week.

It’s an important week to recognize as rural communities continue to face hazards associated with working in and around grain structures. 

Delaware County Emergency Management says rural firefighters are often the first and only line of defense when a farmer or other worker becomes helplessly trapped in grain. Our local fire departments train on grain bin rescue, but the best option is to never have to respond at all.

Some reminders Emergency Management would like to share with farmers and workers:

• When an auger starts, you have 2 to 3 seconds to react
• After 4 to 5 seconds in flowing grain, you are trapped
• After 22 seconds, you are completely covered

Here are some tips for staying safe:

• ALWAYS lockout and tag out unloading equipment before entering a bin.
• NEVER work alone in a bin. Have someone watching who can call for help.
• ALWAYS wear a harness and lifeline. Do NOT “walk down the grain”. 

Delaware County Emergency Management says following these simple practices can help prevent a tragedy in your family.