CSP/Equipment/TBT-CSP-014

Silos and Hoppers

Confined Spaces › Equipment › Silos and Hoppers

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Silos and hoppers are enclosed vessels used to store bulk materials such as cement, aggregate, or grain.
Entry into silos and hoppers is classified as confined space work under the Confined Spaces Regulations 1997.
Engulfment in stored material is the single greatest cause of death inside silos and hoppers.
Bridged material can collapse suddenly when disturbed, burying workers in seconds.
Toxic or oxygen-depleted atmospheres can develop from decomposing materials or chemical reactions.
Mechanical hazards include augers, discharge gates, and rotating feeders at the base.
Work on or inside silos often combines working at height with confined space risks.
Several fatalities occur in the UK each year involving silos and hoppers on construction and industrial sites.
The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR) may also apply to dust-laden silos.
A safe system of work must be in place before anyone enters, works on, or works near a silo or hopper.

Prevent fatalities	Engulfment in bulk material is nearly always fatal. Strict controls prevent workers being trapped or buried.
Legal compliance	The Confined Spaces Regulations 1997 require a risk assessment and permit before any entry into a silo or hopper.
Protect workers' health	Dust inhalation, oxygen depletion, and toxic gases inside silos can cause serious illness or death within minutes.

Don't

Treat every silo and hopper as a confined space requiring a permit to enter
Isolate all mechanical and electrical equipment before entry using LOTO procedures
Test the atmosphere for oxygen, flammable gases, and toxic substances before entry
Ensure a trained rescue team and equipment are on standby throughout the work
Use a full body harness attached to a tripod and winch for vertical entry
Confirm stored material has been fully discharged and cannot flow back in
Maintain continuous communication between entrant and top man at all times
Ventilate the space mechanically before and during any entry or work
Brief all personnel on the emergency rescue plan before work begins
Monitor the atmosphere continuously with calibrated gas detection equipment

See also: Confined Space Entry Procedures | Atmospheric Monitoring and Gas Testing

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