A simulated grain bin rescue operation was held in the Battlefords with RM of North Battleford firefighters taking part. (Submitted photos/Rhonda Erickson and Bill McCombs)

By Angela Brown

Grain bin rescue training

Farm safety a focus for producers and emergency responders

Apr 13, 2022 | 3:28 PM

Heading into a new production season and staying safe on the farm is always a focus for producers, particularly when working around large machinery.

The RM of North Battleford volunteer fire department recently took part in a simulated grain bin rescue operation exercise to ensure if any accidents do occur on area farmyards, they are prepared to assist.

The Battlefords Agricultural Society hosted the event in North Battleford with support from the community.

Battlefords Agricultural Society former president Rhonda Erickson helped coordinate the training program offered to the firefighters as well as been involved with the Progressive Agriculture Safety Days training held in the Battlefords.

When the ag. society learned a grain bin rope rescue training program was available for first responders, they wanted to offer it here.

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“When we found out this was available, we decided this was a good idea,” Erickson said. “We think it’s very valuable for our community. I hope they never have to use it, but I’m glad they have the knowledge to.”

There are always potential dangers for people working around grain bins.

“You could get sucked in. You could lose your life,” Erickson said. “It’s important you don’t go near moving parts or moving grain. And never take short cuts.”

Firefighters learned about the unique dangers of grain bins. If a person falls into bin filled with grain, the great pressure from the weight of the product can quickly cause them to become entrapped.

Bill McCombs, course instructor with Langham-based Trans-Care Rescue Ltd., led the three-day rescue program.

“The way farming is changing, farms are getting bigger,” he said. “The grain handling facilities are getting bigger all the time. With these new 60,000 or 80,000 bushel bins, there is more potential for grain issues, such as wet grain or grain that clumps. So even though farmers aren’t supposed to go into the bins, they still will do it under certain circumstances, and the potential for them to be entrapped is very real… And sometimes kids get involved.”

McCombs said the risk is not only for grain bins, as there are also potential dangers related to hopper bottom grain trailers where people can become entrapped.

“What this is teaching the firefighters to do in those situations is to safely get [the individual] untrapped, and possibly save them, get them out, and then get them down to the ground also,” he said.

McCombs said the training program also focuses on the need to use life support skills in rescue operations.

RM of North Battleford Fire Department Co-Chief Aaron McNabb is also a farmer himself, so he is aware of the dangers around working with grain.

“It’s always a risk,” he said. “Like everything in the fire services industry, the more prepared you can be for every scenario [the better].”

Firefighters take part in grain bin rescue training. (Angela Brown/battlefordsNOW Staff)

Erickson said everyone involved in farm operations, including those visiting or living near farms, benefits from knowing a little about what is needed to keep safe on the farmyard.

“I hope this brings more awareness,” she said. “It really is an eye opener for some of them. I hope it broadens everyone’s outlook.”

Erickson added the Progressive Agriculture Safety Days program that educates youth about staying away from farm equipment and other potential hazards is expected to be offered again in the Battlefords this year, potentially in the fall.

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Angela.Brown@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow