Frequently Asked Questions About Flowing Grain Entrapment, Grain Rescue and Strategies, and Grain Entrapment Prevention Measures 1

The following are selected and edited questions that have been frequently asked concerning the problem of flowing grain safety and related topics. The responses are based upon current best practices and there is no claim that they comprehensively address every question or reflect the best solution or strategy for any specific situation. The questions and responses have been categorized under the general areas of “Grain Entrapments and Engulfment”, “Grain Rescue Strategies”, and “Grain Entrapment Prevention Measures”. 1. Grain Entrapments and Engulfment 1.1. What is the difference between a grain entrapment and a grain engulfment? An entrapment occurs when a victim becomes buried in grain beyond the point of self-extrication, while an engulfment is an incident where the victim is completely buried or submerged beneath the surface of the grain. Approximately half of grain entrapments lead to engulfment which in turn are almost always fatal. 1.2. Who are the most common victims of grain entrapments and engulfments? Historically, approximately 75 % of all documented victims of grain entrapment and engulfment have been farmers, farm employees, and farm family members. More recently, there have been a slightly growing percentage of victims who are employees of commercial grain storage and handling facilities. Almost all incidents have involved adult males, with exception of suffocations in grain transport vehicles which have been predominately male children between the ages of 10 and 15. 1.3. What types of grain have been involved in grain entrapments and engulfments? Entrapments and engulfments have been documented in a wide variety of grains, including corn, soybeans, oats, wheat, flax seed, and canola. The majority (over 50%) of documented cases have involved corn