Walinga Grain-Vac 7614F Operator's Manual page 15

2.3 SAFETY AROUND BINS,SILOS, TANKS AND BOOT PITS
Working in and around bins, silos, and tanks and boot pits.
Grain-Vac operators and all other personnel assisting should strictly adhere to the procedures outlined
below before entering a storage structure. For additional details regarding these procedures, reference
OSHA Standards, or your local regulations. (see also Sect 4.10.1)
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. Anyone entering the bin, silo, tank, storage structure or boot pit, should wear an appropriate
respirator and protective clothing, as long as there is a possibility of any unsafe atmospheric
condition.
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.
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 Grain-Vac operator and all other
personnel assisting should strictly adhere to safety procedures as
follows: (adapted from the
Safety, Health and Environment Committee.)
1. The machine operator(s) and all assisting personnel should be aware
of the actions they will take in the event of an emergency.
7614F Grain-Vac Operator's Manual 34-100853-6
Kansas Grain and Feed Association's
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