BeGrainSafe

By Shelleen Gerbig, BSA, P.Ag. Extension Coordinator, SARDA Ag Research

On March 19th and 20th, SARDA Ag Research and the Smoky River Fire Department joined forces to host the BeGrainSafe trailer and Brian Kroes, one of only two trainers in Alberta. The trailer is designed to emulate grain entrapment and is used to train first responders and producers. Many grain entrapment accidents happen remotely. Producers must know how to avoid grain entrapment and, if someone is trapped in grain, provide comfort and support until equipment and trained personnel arrive. The chances of someone being able to self-rescue are minimal, and the fatality rate is high.

Over the weekend in two sessions, 34 firefighters from the Smoky River, Nampa, St. Isidore, High Prairie, County of Grande Prairie, Worsley, Hines Creek, Northern Sunrise County and County of Northern Lights Fire Departments were trained. Each person was able to experience grain entrapment, the pressure added to the body when rescuers walk in the grain and rescue. They enjoyed two additional demonstrations of dust explosions and how to properly remove grain, quickly and safely, when cutting the bin. The trailer had not been in the Peace Region in four years, and firefighters appreciated the opportunity to have this specialized training.

SARDA Ag Research invited producers and industry representatives to view the demonstrations. A camera was mounted on top of the grain tank so that viewers could watch the rescues without being cloaked in grain dust. Trained firefighters and producers were able to have a lively discussion on safety around the farm and how to adopt procedures to prevent accidents.

SARDA Ag Research and the Smoky River Fire Department would like to say “Thank You” to all the participants and the sponsors who supported the event. The training was provided at no cost to the firefighters and $1000 was donated to the Smoky River Fire Department to purchase the specialized auger required to rescue victims safely.

The sponsors for the weekend were Cargill, Nutrien, Richardson Pioneer, Martin Deerline, Viterra, St. Isidore Co-op, Rocky Mountain Equipment, Ellsworth Digital Ltd. and CASA (Canadian Agricultural Safety Association).