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Preparing for harvest is a good time to clean grain bins; keep lung safety in mind
Missouri
While harvest is still a month or more away, it's not too early to clean grain bins inside and out, said a University of Missouri Extension specialist.
"It's important to always keep the bin site free of spilled grain, weeds and other vegetation, but it's particularly important to do a thorough job now in preparation for receiving new crop grain at harvest," said Bill Casady.
A program of thorough cleaning before harvest protects new grain from pests hiding out in and around bins and in all of the equipment that moves grain, he said.
It's also a good idea to thoroughly clean combines, trucks and all grain handling components, he said.
Cleaning bins, augers and other equipment brings operators in contact with high concentrations of dust as well as spores from storage fungi.
"The lungs have an amazing ability to repair, but they were never meant to endure the heavy exposure to the kinds of dust found in a dirty bin," Casady said.
Reduce the risk of long-term disabling lung disease with a properly fitted respirator. A proper fit means spending time picking out something that really fits your face comfortably so that it excludes all air except what you draw through the filter, he said.
"In a sense, a respirator is a personal item and is an important part of personal safety," he said. "Filters are replaceable and should be replaced frequently to provide adequate protection and comfort."
A professional respirator should also have an exhalation valve that provides for cooler, easier breathing.
"Those little white paper masks with the aluminum nose clip may provide some protection but they are uncomfortable and can't work as well as a properly fitted respirator," he said.
Once initial bin cleaning is done, it's a good idea to do routine cleaning at the end of the day or whenever a job has been completed.
This helps avoid forgotten piles of grain that can make a home for grain pests. A little left over grain can act as an innoculant to contaminate any new grain introduced to the system, he said.
Date: 8/26/04
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