Storage & Transport
ASABE to develop grain bin entry standard

Nov. 29, 2012, St. Joseph, MI - The American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) has initiated a project to develop a new standard on design specifications related to grain bin entry.

The new standard will direct bin manufactures to include interior anchorage points to which safety equipment can be attached. Proper use of such equipment would reduce the risk of a user falling through crusted grain or being pulled into flowing grain if other safety instructions are not followed.

Other items to be addressed include specifications for access doors, work platforms, extrication devices, operational procedures, and safety signs.

Finalization of the standard is expected by the summer of 2013.

Carol Jones, PE, PhD, of Oklahoma State University, is a member of the drafting committee. Jones notes that the initiative to develop the standard has been driven primarily by the bin users and by the steel bin manufacturers, but contributors also include university extension and research personnel. In total, more than 40 individuals will provide expertise in the development of the grain-bin standard.

November 29, 2012  By ASABE