AGAINST THE GRAIN Safe Grain Storage and Handling

AGAINST THE GRAIN Safe Grain Storage and Handling for Young and Beginning Workers Unit 5 - Emergency Response Strategies Developed by: Purdue University Agricultural Safety and Health Program Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering West Lafayette, IN This material was produced under grant number SH 23575 SH 3 from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U. S. Department of Labor. It does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U. S. Department of Labor, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsements by the U. S. Government.

Objectives At the completion of this unit you should be able to: § Describe the characteristics of an incident that requires an emergency response § Explain why there may be a reluctance to call for emergency assistance. § Identify the most frequent types of emergencies involving grain storage and handling facilities § Identify steps that should be taken to prepare for emergencies in and around grain storage and handling facilities § Identify initial emergency responses that should be taken to avoid the risk of additional injuries or property losses

Introduction How would you describe an emergency? List the types of emergencies that you have been involved with or seen. § Fire § ___________ § ______

Which of the Following Incidents Require Immediate Emergency Assistance § Personal injury with large loss of blood § Chemical exposure due to ingestion § Out-of-control fire § Chemical spill § Down electrical wires § Entrapment in grain § Entanglement in machine § Extremely hostile person

Emergency & First-Response Preparation Include: § Posted emergency action plan § Employee training on emergency action plans § Appropriate placement of telephones, & radios § Posting of emergency phone numbers by each phone § Address and directions for finding all worksites § Pre-determined meeting place following an incident

Emergency & First-Response Preparation Should Also Include: § Emergency warning system § Access to first-aid kit and eye wash stations § Appropriate placement of properly rated fire extinguishers § Labeled circuit breaker boxes and utility shut offs § Training of staff in first-aid and emergency specific types of response § Access to specialized emergency response protective equipment

When Calling 911 Information Needed By Emergency Dispatcher § Name: first and last § Address if known § Exact nature of the emergency § Do not hang up

Why Are Some People Reluctant to Call for Emergency Assistance? § Embarrassment § Fear § Never had to do it before § Concern over liability § Other________? _________

Appropriate First-Response Steps to Follow in the Event of an Injury § Call or send for assistance § Notify supervisor § Move victim only when he or she is in immediate danger § If machinery is involved shut off the power § Provide first-aid to the victim if qualified to do so § Wait for help

Appropriate First-Response Steps to Follow in the Event of an Entrapment in Grain § Call or send for immediate assistance (911) § Notify supervisor § STOP – Do not enter the grain storage structure § Wait for help § If equipped turn on ventilation fans

Appropriate First-Response Steps to Follow in the Event of a Confined Space Incident § Call or send for immediate assistance (911) § Notify supervisor § STOP – Do not enter the confined space under any circumstance § Wait for help § If equipped turn on ventilation fans

Appropriate First-Response Steps to Follow in the Event of an Explosion or Fire § Call or send for immediate assistance (911) § Notify supervisor § Evacuate the scene if the fire is out of control or structures are unstable § Use a fire extinguisher if trained and fire is manageable § Wait for help

Grain Dust Explosions § Image of destruction caused by grain dust explosion

Responding to Class A Fires Class A § Combustibles • • Paper Wood Trash Crop materials § To extinguish • Class A extinguisher • ABC extinguisher • Water A

Responding to Class B Fires Class B § Combustibles • • • Gasoline Diesel fuel Grease Solvents Some agricultural chemicals § To extinguish • Class B extinguisher • ABC extinguisher • Never use water BA

Responding to Class C Fires Class C § Combustibles • Electrical equipment • Electronics • Electrical wires § To extinguish • Class C extinguisher • ABC extinguisher • Never use water C A

How to Discharge a Fire Extinguisher P. A. S. S. § § Pull pin Aim nozzle Squeeze trigger Sweep at base of fire A

Recognizing the Symptoms of Heat Stress § Heat cramps – muscle spasms are usually the first symptoms of overexposure § Heat stress – more severe than heat cramps • • • Flushed skin Headache Nausea Dizziness Weakness Exhaustion A

Responding to Heat Stress/Stroke § Remove the victim from heat or exposure to sun § Seek medical attention § Cool victim as rapidly as possible – use damp cloths, water, fans, etc. § If victim is conscious provide cool water or sports drinks § While cooling the victim, immediately seek emergency treatment A

Case Study § Situation: Two boys asphyxiated in the top of a 110 foot sealed silo § Responder's: q q q Family member Employee Law enforcement EMS Fire Department

Please remember… Always error on the side of caution • If in doubt call 911 • If medical attention is required, it has to be reported • Young workers should have means of communication Call 911