Web Resources
- The Hazards Associated with Agricultural Silo FiresThis publication is part of the U.S. Fire Administration/Technical Report Series Special Report series. It presents several case studies on silo fires, and discusses special hazards associated with these fires such as explosions and toxic gases.
- National Agriculture Safety Database (NASD)The NASD provides a breadth of information and resources on varying agricultural safety topics. Follow this link for publications about grain bin safety, hazards, emergency prevention, and rescue techniques.
- OSHA Safety and Health Topics: Grain HandlingThis resource from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration gives on overview of grain bin handling and safety issues.
- Farmer Bucks Odds, Survives Being Trapped in Grain BinAn article published by USA Today.
- Volunteer Assistant Fire Chief Dies at a Silo Fire/ExplosionA report from the NIOSH detailing the death of an assistant fire chief in a silo explosion.
- Grain Handling Safety CoalitionGHSC's mission is to reduce accidents, injuries, and fatalities across the grain industry. Videos, posters, handouts, and access to training are available.
- Technical Rescue: Grain Bin RescueDoug Shell explains the circumstances in which you should use a traditional grain rescue tube and/or cut the gain bin to effect a rescue.
- Purdue University - Ag Confined SpacesThis website, run by Purdue University’s Agricultural Safety and Health Program, provides annual summaries of injuries and fatalities associated with ag confined spaces, and resources for related health and safety training.
IFSI Resources
- Grain Bin Resue - Course SyllabusThis syllabus details modules covered by course, required readings, and standards and codes acknowledged in the course.
Codes & Standards
To access any of the standards listed below, sign in at nfpa.org (an account is free). Click on "For Professionals." Click on "List of Codes and Standards" then search for the following codes. You may access codes as "read only" for free at the website. However, you will not be able to print codes without purchasing them.
NFPA 660: Standard for Combustible Dusts and Particulate Solids, 2025 Edition
NFPA 921: Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations, 2024
About this Page
Use the resources on this page to find specific information about grain bin and silo safety and rescue.
Several books featured on the Agricultural Rescue Introduction page also include information on these topics.
IFSI Library Resources
Click on a link below to view the item in the catalog. If an item is not linked, please contact the library to request access.
SILO THE FILM DVD is available to borrow from the IFSI Library.
“[SILO] combines farm safety education with entertainment for a gripping and thought-provoking treatment of this significant safety issue.”
- Extinguising Silo Fires byCall Number: VF 000507Publication Date: 1989Gives tips on how to extinguish fires in both conventional and oxygen-limiting silos.
Grain Bin Rescue by Call Number: TH4395.Z44 2017Publication Date: 2017Grain bins can be found in almost every community, from bins on rural farms to hoppers in industrial factories. It is imperative for first responders to understand the challenges present at a grain bin rescue. In this video, Director Tim Zehnder and Instructor Jay Penfield show us the various types of bins prevalent today, the common injuries that occur in bins, and how to address and mitigate such incidents and extricate the patient.
Zehnder points out the similarities that these incidents have with confined-space, man-in-machine, and rope rescue. These incidents are unique, but with proper training and a systematic approach, they can be mitigated efficiently and safely.- The Hazards Associated with Agricultural Silo Fires byCall Number: TH9180 .C53 1998Publication Date: 1998-04Covers the scope of silo fire risk and different types of silos. Discusses hazards associated with silo fires, pre-incident planning, and fire suppression operations.
- Industrial Silo Fire and Explosion byCall Number: TH9445 .M4 K56 1997Publication Date: 1997-12This report highlights the dangers of oxygen limiting silos. Details the events on December 21, 1997, when an industrial silo in Charlotte, NC caught fire and injured three firefighters.
Flowing Grain Entrapment
Flowing grain entrapment is a concern when working with grain bins and silos on a farm, specifically when entry is required.
The National Ag Safety Database (NASD) provides multiple step-by-step scenarios for grain bin rescue, with materials tailored to both instructors and first responders.
Image and information source: NASD online
Librarian
IFSI Library Information
Library Hours:
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Monday - Friday
Special operating hours may be held during events.
IFSI Library Staff:
Lian Ruan, Head Librarian: lruan@illinois.edu
Diane Richardson, Reference & User Training Librarian: dlrichar@illinois.edu
David Ehrenhart, Assistant Director for Library Operations: ehrenha1@illinois.edu
IFSI Library Facebook:
