Elevator and Farm Safety Best Practice Strategies

Posted by Katelin Standley

Entrapment & Engulfment (A)

• Always wear a harness and lifeline. Never walk on the grain.
• Never work alone in a bin; have a buddy watching who can call for help.
• Always ensure loadout/sweep equipment is off and locked out.
• Always ensure guards and shields are properly installed and secured. Never work near exposed moving parts.
• Always ensure work areas are clear of debris and other people before starting equipment.
• Use 3:4-1 triangle for ladders - extend ladder 3 feet above surface - for every 4 feet of height, place ladder 1 foot away from surface.
• Use fall protection for heights over 4 feet.

Entanglement (B)

• Always ensure guards and shields are properly installed and secured.
• Never work near exposed moving parts.
• Always ensure work areas are clear of debris and other people before starting equipment.

Falls (C)

• Use 3:4-1 triangle for ladders - extend ladder 3 feet above surface - for every 4 feet of height, place ladder 1 foot away from surface.
• Use fall protection for heights over 4 feet.

Electrical (D)

• Survey the area! Lower augers, poles, ladders, etc. to avoid hitting overhead power lines.
• Use lockout/tagout before maintenance or service.
• Block tires & raised beds, lock vehicles, hydraulics, and mechanisms.
• Wear PPE (hardhat, safety toed footwear)
• Always read chemical label safety information.
• Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling, mixing, and using chemicals.
• Always have a fire extinguisher in all farm vehicles and equipment.
• Have a water truck/tank at the field during harvest.

Struck by Vehicles and/or Objects (E)

• Block tires & raised beds, lock vehicles, hydraulics, and mechanisms.
• Wear PPE- hardhat, safety toed footwear.

PPE (F)

• Always read chemical label safety information.
• Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling, mixing, and using chemicals.

Fire Safety (G)

• Always have a fire extinguisher or fire suppression system throughout entire facility.
• Have a water truck/tank at the field during harvest.
• Always have a fire extinguisher in all farm vehicles and equipment.

Check out the National Farmers Union grain bins and augers video here.

Test Your Knowledge

Match the placard (A, B, C, D, E, F, or G from above)