Understanding Silo Safety

Understanding Silo Safety: Silos are large, cylindrical structures used for storing bulk materials like grain, sand, flour, fertilizer, or animal feed. They come in various materials such as stainless steel, reinforced concrete, plastic, fiberglass, and wood, and can be either closed or open. Closed silos are sealed to keep goods in optimal conditions, free from insects and pests.

Risks Involved in Working with Silos

Working with silos poses significant safety risks, similar to those found in other confined farm spaces like storage tanks, field bins, wells, and manure pits. These risks include:

  • Falls and Engulfment: Falling from heights or being engulfed in materials like grain can lead to suffocation.
  • Machinery Entanglement: Getting caught in machinery can cause severe injuries.
  • Exposure to Hazardous Substances: Silos can contain dangerous gases, dust, and molds.
  • Fumes and Gases: Workers can be overcome by toxic fumes or gases.
  • Explosions: Low humidity can create a dangerous atmosphere, leading to explosions.
  • High Temperatures: Exposure to extreme heat can cause heat stress.
  • Oxygen Deficiency: Grain absorption can reduce oxygen levels inside the silo.
  • Toxic Contaminants: Disturbing decomposed organic material can release harmful substances.
  • Gas Build-Up: Gases like ammonia, methane, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen sulfide can accumulate in confined spaces.
  • Manual Handling and Slips: Noise, slips, trips, and manual handling also pose risks.

Even experienced workers must exercise caution and follow safety protocols to avoid these hazards.

For workers

  • take care of your own health and safety as well as the health and safety of others
  • cooperate with management to meet health and safety requirements and reduce risks.

For businesses

As an employer or business owner, you have legal responsibilities as outlined in the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 for the health and safety of every worker and visitor.

The four-step risk management process below will help businesses to meet their responsibilities under work health and safety (WHS) laws.

You can also use the practical advice in the How to manage work health and safety risks code of practice 2021 (PDF, 0.65 MB).

Standards and compliance

Codes of practice

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