Safety Notice – Important – Read This!
Entering a bin, silo, tank or other type of storage structure is hazardous. You can suffocate and die from the materials stored inside these structures. There also may be explosive, harmful or poisonous gas or dust in the air.
Before entering a storage structure, a vac operator and all other personnel assisting should strictly adhere to safety procedures as follows:
1. The machine operator(s) and all assisting personnel should be aware of the actions they will take in the event of an emergency.
2. The machine operator(s) and all assisting personnel should be trained in the general and specific safety hazards associated with their work tasks.
3. The machine operator(s) and all assisting personnel should be trained in the general procedures and safety practices for entering and working in bins, silos, tanks or other storage structures, as well as the safety procedures for handling special tasks concerning entering and working in such structures.
4. The atmosphere within a bin, silo, tank or storage structure should be tested for the presence of combustible gases, dusts, vapors and toxic agents.
5. Ventilation should be provided until the unsafe conditions are eliminated or as long as there is a possibility of recurrence of the unsafe conditions while the bin, silo, tank or storage structure is occupied by personnel.
6. If ventilation cannot eliminate the unsafe atmospheric conditions, anyone entering the bin, silo, tank or storage structure should wear an appropriate respirator and clothing.
7. When entering bins, silos, tanks or storage structures from the top, personnel should wear a body harness with lifeline, or use a boatswain’s chair.
8. An observer equipped to provide assistance and trained in rescue procedures, including notification methods, should be stationed outside the bin, silo, tank or storage structure being entered. Visual, voice or signal line communications should be constantly maintained between the observer and the party in the bin, silo, tank or storage structure.
9. Equipment for rescue operations which is specifically suited for the bin, silo, tank or storage structure being entered should be provided.
10. Do not enter bins, silos, tanks or storage structures under a bridging condition, or where a buildup of materials could fall and bury you. It is also recommended that you do not walk or stand on grain or other materials where the depth is greater than waist high.
11. Be aware of the extremely high suction at the intake nozzle. Stay away from nozzle intake area.
