OSHA Issues Hazard Alert in Grain Storage Bins

OSHA has issued a Hazard Alert and wallet card explaining the dangers of working inside grain storage bins, commonly used to store bulk raw agricultural commodities such as corn, wheat and oats. The alert describes how workers may become engulfed in grain bins and lists the precautions that employers must take under OSHA’s Grain Handling Facility standard to protect workers. Precautions include disconnecting equipment that presents a danger, prohibiting workers from walking on the grain to make it flow, providing workers with personal protective equipment and requiring an observer outside the bin who can perform rescue operations. The wallet hazard card is an abbreviated version of the bulletin.