Sweep auger safety in grain bins

Protect workers from sweep auger hazards with proven safety protocols, engineering controls, and regulatory guidance.

Sweep augers are essential tools for emptying grain bins efficiently, but they also pose serious safety risks. Injuries and fatalities can occur when workers come into contact with moving augers, become engulfed in flowing grain, or suffer respiratory issues from dust and mold exposure.

To improve grain bin safety, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) introduced the Grain handling facilities standard (29 CFR 1910.272) in 1987, requiring strict precautions for bin entry. A major hazard addressed is the sweep auger, which can cause serious injury if not properly guarded.

In 2009, OSHA clarified that operating a sweep auger inside a bin with workers present was a violation unless the auger was completely guarded. This interpretation led to widespread citations, as full guarding often made augers ineffective.

Following industry pushback, OSHA issued a 2013 memorandum allowing workers to remain in bins with energized sweep augers under specific conditions:

• Only the front of the auger is unguarded
• Sub-floor augers are securely covered
• Engineering controls (e.g., guard rails or dead-man switches) keep workers at least seven feet away
• Bin entry procedures are strictly followed

Safe operating practices

To minimize the risk of injuries or deaths associated with a sweep auger, follow these essential safety protocols:

1. Avoid entry during operation: The safest policy is to keep workers out of bins while sweep augers are running
2. Use engineering controls:
   • Guard all moving parts, especially sub-floor augers
   • Install physical barriers such as guard rails or trailing portable guards
   • Equip augers with dead-man switches or remote shut-offs to maintain a safe distance
3. Implement administrative controls:
   • Develop and enforce a comprehensive bin entry permit system
   • Train all personnel on grain bin hazards and emergency procedures
   • Establish an effective lockout/tagout (LOTO) program to ensure equipment is de-energized before entry
4. Maintain visibility and communication
   • Ensure clear lines of sight and two-way communication between workers inside and outside the bin
   • Use spotters or observers when entry is necessary

Recommendations for farmers and small operations

Even if certain OSHA rules do not apply to small or family-run farms, the hazards remain the same. Adopting industry best practices can prevent life-threatening incidents and protect family members and workers alike.

Sweep augers are powerful tools that demand respect and caution. By combining proper training, modern safety equipment, and up-to-date regulatory knowledge, you can create a safer working environment in and around grain bins. Always prioritize prevention and never compromise on safety.

References

• Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (2013, May 3). Grain handling facility sweep auger enforcement policy [Memorandum]. U.S. Department of Labor. https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2013-05-03
• Jones, C. L. (2017, December). Are you “sweeping” your grain bin safely? Oklahoma State University Extension. https://extension.okstate.edu/fact-sheets/are-you-sweeping-your-grain-bin-safely.html
• Brown, S. (2023, July 13). Grain auger safety. Penn State Extension. https://extension.psu.edu/grain-auger-safety