Safety Around Bins,Silos, Tanks And Boot Pits - Walinga Ultra-Vac 6614D Operator's Manual

2.3 SAFETY AROUND BINS,SILOS, TANKS AND BOOT PITS

Working in and around bins, silos, and tanks and boot pits.
Ultra-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, Ultra-Vac operators and all other
personnel assisting should strictly adhere to safety procedures as follows:
(adapted from the Kansas Grain and Feed Association's 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.