LibGuides: Agricultural Emergencies: Grain Bin/Silo Safety

Web Resources

The Hazards Associated with Agricultural Silo Fires
This publication is part of the U.S. Fire Administration/Technical Report Series Special Report series, and presents several case studies on Silo fires, as well as special hazards during these fires.
National Agriculture Safety Database (NASD)
The NASD is a resource providing 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 Handling
This 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 Bin
An article published by USA Today.
Drowning in Corn
An article published in the Atlantic.
Volunteer Assistant Fire Chief Dies at a Silo Fire/Explosion
A report from the NIOSH detailing the death of an assistant fire chief in a silo explosion.
Grain Handling Safety Coalition
Located in Springfield, Illinois, and dedicated to two young men who were killed while working in a grain bin, GHSC's mission is to reduce accidents, injuries, and fatalities across the grain industry through "safety education, training, and outreach."
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Training can be scheduled via the website and training resources are also available.

IFSI Resources

Grain Bin Resue - Course Syllabus
This syllabus details modules covered by course, required readings, and standards and codes acknowledged in the course.

Codes & Standards

The FSI Library has full access to all NFPA standards through nfpa.org. To access any of the standards listed below, please contact FSI library staff at any time by emailing fsi-library@illinois.edu, or by calling 217-333-8925 between the hours of 8-5, Monday through Friday.

NFPA 61: Standard for the Prevention of Fires and Dust Explosions in Agricultural and Food Processing Facilities, 2013 Edition

NFPA 921: Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations, 2014

NFPA 654: Standard for the Prevention of Fire and Dust Explosions from the Manufacturing, Processing, and Handling of Combustible Particulate Solids, 2013 Edition

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 Ag 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.”

— Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture Ryan Quarles

Extinguising Silo Fires by Arble, William and Murphy, Dennis
Call Number: VF 000507
Publication Date: 1989
Gives tips on how to extinguish fires in both conventional and oxygen-limiting silos.
Grain Bin Rescue by Tim Zehnder & Jay Penfield
Call Number: TH4395.Z44 2017
Publication Date: 2017
Grain 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 by Clark, Alan et al.
Call Number: TH9180 .C53 1998
Publication Date: 1998-04
Covers 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 by FEMA
Call Number: TH9445 .M4 K56 1997
Publication Date: 1997-12
This 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

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