Silo and Hopper Entry Hazards
Confined Spaces › Equipment › Silo and Hopper Entry Hazards
Silo and Hopper Entry Hazards
Silos and hoppers used for storing cement, aggregate, grain, and other bulk materials are confined spaces with extreme engulfment and entrapment hazards. Workers can be buried in seconds if material bridges above them and collapses, or if the discharge mechanism activates while they are inside. This talk explains the specific dangers of silo and hopper entry and the controls that must be in place before anyone enters.
- Obtain a confined space entry permit before any person enters a silo or hopper.
- Isolate and lock out all filling, discharge, and agitation equipment before entry is permitted.
- Test the atmosphere inside the silo for oxygen, toxic gases, and combustible dust before entry.
- Never enter a silo to clear bridged or blocked material — use external vibrators or air lances instead.
- Wear a full body harness attached to a rescue line secured to a tripod or davit at the access point.
- Station a trained top man at the entry point with rescue equipment throughout the entire entry.
- Ensure forced ventilation is running inside the silo throughout the entry period.
- Limit entry to the absolute minimum number of persons and the shortest duration possible.
- Brief all entrants on the specific material stored, the hazards, and the emergency rescue procedure.
If a worker becomes trapped or buried in a silo, raise the alarm immediately and call 999. Do not enter the silo. Stop all filling and discharge equipment. Attempt to extract using the rescue line from the top access point.
- A confined space entry permit is mandatory before anyone enters any silo or hopper
- Isolate and lock out all filling, discharge, and agitation equipment before entry
- Never enter a silo to clear bridged material — use external methods from outside only
- Wear a harness attached to a rescue line secured at the access point throughout entry
- A trained top man with rescue equipment must remain at the entry point at all times
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