Confined space: reducing grain bin related injuries and fatalities.

Details

• Personal Author:
  Bock R ; Brown S ; Dyer M ; Fetzer L ; Gorucu S ; Thomas R
• Description:
  There are approximately 35 (known and additional suspected unreported) grain bin related fatalities per year. The ANSI/ASABE S64 - Grain Bin Access Design Safety standard was published in August 2018. This standard recommends that grain bins manufactured after 2018 be built to accommodate a bin entry lifeline system. The recommended system includes two anchor attachment points with one located near the roof peak and one near the roof access. Each anchor point must support a minimum ultimate load of 2,000 pounds. Through a research grant from the Northeast Center for Occupational Health and Safety, Penn State University combined computer modeling and experimental measurements to examine safe use of anchor points on a pre-2018 grain bin. Vertical roof deflection of the bin was measured using a precision phase-comparison laser while applying incremental dead loads to the retrofitted rescue anchor points. The measured deflections compared well to defections predicted by finite element analysis (SolidWorks Simulation). The SolidWorks Simulation model may be used to estimate other loading scenarios in a safe and nondestructive way. The model is specific to this grain bin and loading scenarios and is not currently intended for generalization. Based on the research findings, the project team recommends that the suitability of any bin to safely accommodate a lifeline and anchor point system must be verified on a case-by-case basis. Evaluation by a professional structural engineer and consulting with the manufacturer is recommended. This recommendation extends to all grain bins, including those post-2018. Engineering valuation for safely accommodating a lifeline and anchor point system is essential for bins that are modified, damaged, or have other signs of degradation. The research team developed inspection guidelines to assist professional engineers during their evaluation. Educational efforts will focus on technologies and best practices that can reduce the need for grain bin entry. This presentation will provide an overview of the research approach, recommendations on grain bin inspections for anchor points and lifeline systems, and the use of emerging technologies and best practices to reduce the need to enter grain bins. Aims/Learning Objectives: 1. Understand the limitations of the ANSI/ASABE S64 - Grain Bin Access Design Safety standard. 2. Understand the need for inspection criteria for new and older grain bins prior to equipping with a lifeline and anchor point system. 3. Understand available technology and best practices to reduce the need for individuals to enter grain bins.
• Subjects:
  Accidents, Occupational Dust Occupational Health Personal Protective Equipment Preceptorship Respiratory Protective Devices Safety Ventilation
• Keywords:
  Agricultural Safety Agriculture Confined Spaces Grain Entrapments Grain Handling Safety Equipment
• Publisher:
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• Document Type:
  Text
• Funding:
  Cooperative Agreement
• Genre:
  Abstract
• Place as Subject:
  New York ; OSHA Region 2
• CIO:
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
• Topic:
  Workplace Safety & Health
• Location:
  North America
• Pages in Document:
  47-48
• NIOSHTIC Number:
  nn:20069990
• Citation:
  National Occupational Injury Research Symposium 2022 (NOIRS 2022): Preventing Workplace Injuries in a Changing World, May 10-12, 2022, Morgantown, West Virginia. Morgantown, WV: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 2022 May; :47-48
• Federal Fiscal Year:
  2022
• NORA Priority Area:
  Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing
• Performing Organization:
  Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital, Cooperstown, New York
• Peer Reviewed:
  False
• Start Date:
  20010930
• Source Full Name:
  National Occupational Injury Research Symposium 2022 (NOIRS 2022): Preventing Workplace Injuries in a Changing World, May 10-12, 2022, Morgantown, West Virginia
• End Date:
  20270831
• Collection(s):
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:a62e0c5c1645d7f41b72198de662408a57c488b3aa7c193e30ec8493c04fadf044fc03447d0bc565c224ef82adbd8564740afe002a7ee8dc66aa1caa31a4ccf4
• Download URL:
  https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/181994/cdc_181994_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 267.54 KB ]