Grain Handling Silos and Auger Safety SWMS

Product Overview

This SWMS covers planning, inspecting, operating, monitoring, cleaning and closing out grain silo, auger, dryer and stock-feed activities. It supports work planning and risk management by addressing plant movement, grain transfer, dust, blockages, stored grain and silo entry.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes task-specific risk controls for:

• Plan the work and isolate the area
• Position vehicles and plant
• Inspect silos and grain handling equipment
• Set up portable augers
• Complete grain alignment tasks
• Transfer grain by auger
• Monitor stored grain
• Operate grain dryers
• Manufacture stock feed
• Clear blockages externally
• Enter silos or confined spaces
• Clean up, control dust and sign off

Who is this for?

For contractors, workers, supervisors and businesses carrying out grain handling, silo and auger activities.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

The template includes references relevant to the documented work, including:

• Applicable Commonwealth, state or territory WHS/OHS legislation and regulations, including duties to provide and maintain safe plant, safe systems of work, information, training, instruction, supervision, risk controls and consultation.
• Model Code of Practice: How to manage work health and safety risks (guidance only; confirm adoption and status in the applicable jurisdiction).
• Model Code of Practice: Managing risks of plant in the workplace (guidance only; confirm adoption and status in the applicable jurisdiction).
• Model Code of Practice: Confined spaces (guidance only; confirm adoption and status in the applicable jurisdiction). Grain can engulf workers, and grain silos may contain atmospheric, biological and mechanical hazards.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing risks of hazardous chemicals in the workplace (guidance only; confirm adoption and status in the applicable jurisdiction). Grain handling and drying can generate combustible dust.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing the risk of falls at workplaces (guidance only; confirm adoption and status in the applicable jurisdiction).
• Safe use and design of bulk storage silos and bins Code of Practice (guidance only; confirm applicability in the relevant jurisdiction).
• AS/NZS 4745:2012 Code of practice for handling combustible dusts.
• AS 2865:2009 Confined spaces.
• AS 1657:2018 Fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders.
• AS/NZS 1891 series Personal equipment for work at height.
• AS/NZS 1715 and AS/NZS 1716 Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment.

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Standard SWMS Features (Click to Expand)

• Task-specific job steps, hazards and control measures
• Initial and residual risk ratings
• Assigned responsible persons for each job step
• Plant, equipment and PPE requirements where applicable
• Permits, qualifications and high-risk construction work details where applicable
• Worker consultation, sign-off and review sections