Grain Silo Safety

Agricultural workers are at a serious risk of injury and/or death when installing, climbing into, fumigating, entering, filling or emptying a silo. Because of the nature of the conditions present, workers may be exposed to hazards such as a lack of oxygen, toxic gases and grain entrapment. To reduce the risk of injury, consider the following safety recommendations:

General Grain Handling Safety Precautions

• Never smoke near a silo or cause sparks to ignite grain dust. It is extremely explosive.
• If possible, complete tasks outside of the silo.
• Wear respiratory protection when appropriate.
• Ensure that all machine guarding equipment is in good working order.

Grain Silo Fumigation Safety

• Ventilate a fumigating silo before entering.
• Open phosphine containers while in open air and wear protection gear
• Always fumigate with a co-worker nearby in case of an emergency.
• Mark areas being fumigated with clearly labeled signs.

Avoiding Grain Suffocation

• Never enter a silo unless it is absolutely necessary.
• Always turn off the auger and ensure that no one is going to empty or fill the silo before entering.
• Stand on a ladder above compacted or bridged grain while dislodging it.

Grain Silo Structural Safety Concerns

• Adhere to a “bedding-in” procedure when filling a silo by drawing off a rubbish bin full of grain.
• Instruct all co-workers to stay away when filling or emptying a silo.
• Conduct regular safety inspections of silos.

Protection Against Falls from Grain Silos

• Use an approved fall restraint system and harness when climbing external silo ladders or when accessing a top hatch.
• Install a wire mesh guard on external openings above the maximum grain level.

If You Become Trapped by Grain

• Shield your face and chest with your arms to create space to breathe.
• Have the co-worker positioned outside the silo call for help.
• The co-worker should enter the silo only while wearing a breathing apparatus and lifeline.
• Others from outside can then pull you both out safely.

For More Information, Contact: 

Read More Grain Bin Safety Resources