The team at Merritt Mechanical-Fabrication understands farming is more than a job; it’s a way of life and is something passed from one generation to the next. Based in Cairo, GA, the family-owned business has been a trusted provider of agricultural services in the southeastern United States for over 50 years.

They have seen a lot of changes in agricultural machinery over the years, including the increasing size of grain elevators. A grain elevator today can hold up to four times the grain as in the past—which means any issue with your grain elevators will have a similarly outsized negative effect.

While grain silo and grain elevator injuries or death are rare, they do happen. Being prepared and having a firm plan of action is the best first step towards helping yourself or someone else should a grain elevator accident occur.

5 Tips For Grain Elevator Safety

1. Keep children out

A towering grain bin or grain elevator might look like an enticing place for a child to play, but any unchecked grain flow will submerge them before they know what’s happening.

2. Enter with at least three people

You can’t assume anyone outside the bin can hear your shouts from within, so having multiple people on hand will aid in any recovery effort. Having a person standing at the entryway, watching, is a good rule of thumb, too. And always enter with a rope and harness, in case you need to be lifted or pulled out if an accident occurs.

3. Lock the control circuit before entering

Even if you think there is no grain flow at the moment, it’s better to be safe than sorry. You can become submerged in grain flow in as little as 8 seconds.

4. If you become trapped

In the event you become trapped in grain, there are a few safety measures you can take. If you can walk, stay along the outside wall, and keep walking until the bin is empty or the flow has stopped. If you become covered by hot grain, cup your hands over your mouth and take short breaths.

5. If someone else becomes trapped

If you're present when someone else becomes trapped, assume they are alive, and begin a recovery mission immediately. But do not attempt a rescue alone! First call 911, and then open any doors in the bin or elevator to allow for grain to flow out.

The professionals at Merritt Mechanical-Fabrication work exclusively with vetted partners for large-scale projects and employ sustainable building methods. They service and repair grain elevator and handling systems, as well. To schedule a meeting with a member of the agricultural construction team, give them a call at (229) 377-5586, or visit them online to see examples of past work.