Removing Out-of-Condition Grain: An Exploration and Documentation of Existing Strategies

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Engineering
• Occupational Safety and Health

Background:

• Grain entrapments are a significant hazard in the grain industry, often caused by out-of-condition grain.
• Despite safety measures, grain entrapments persist, highlighting the need for better strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and document existing strategies for handling out-of-condition grain.
• To inform evidence-based solutions for reducing grain entrapment risks.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive review of training programs, extension resources, and published research.
• Documentation of strategies used by farmers and grain storage workers.
• Categorization of strategies into three main approaches: outfitting the bin, outside the bin, and inside the bin.

Main Results:

• A total of 21 distinct strategies for handling out-of-condition grain were identified and documented.
• Strategies were broadly categorized into bin outfitting, outside the bin, and inside the bin approaches.
• Outside the bin strategies were further classified into grain handling solutions, rodding, force-based solutions, and alternate grain extraction methods.

Conclusions:

• Understanding and researching the safety and effectiveness of these 21 strategies is crucial.
• There is a notable lack of available knowledge regarding the effectiveness of each strategy in various out-of-condition grain scenarios.
• Further research is needed to provide evidence-based recommendations for safe grain handling practices.