Silo and Storage Vessel Access Risk Assessment

Product Overview

This risk assessment covers planning, accessing and working in and around silos and storage vessels. It supports risk management for plant isolation, access, atmosphere conditions, stored material, hazardous residues, communication and emergency readiness.

Activities & Risks Covered

This assessment addresses activities and risks including:

• Plan access arrangements, assess the space and coordinate connected or simultaneous work.
• Isolate connected plant, services and stored material before access or entry.
• Access external ladders, stairs, landings and roof hatches while managing falls and dropped objects.
• Test and manage atmosphere conditions and ventilation within the silo or vessel.
• Manage entry, movement, lighting and exit arrangements inside the vessel.
• Control risks from engulfment, bridging, unstable product and material build-up.
• Manage dust, fire and explosion hazards during cleaning, disturbance of residues and other work.
• Identify and manage fumigants, residues, toxic dusts, moulds and cleaning chemicals.
• Maintain communication, supervision and area control throughout the work.
• Prepare emergency response and rescue arrangements for restricted or elevated access points.

Who is this for?

For contractors, workers, supervisors and businesses involved in silo and storage vessel access activities.

Activities & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

The template records model guidance used to inform the documented controls. Applicable WHS/OHS laws and adopted Codes vary by state or territory, so confirm the current local requirements when tailoring the assessment:

• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: Confined spaces — 3.4 Assessing the risks; p. 24.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: Managing the work environment and facilities — 2. The work environment; p. 13.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: Managing electrical risks in the workplace — 2.1 Identifying the hazards; p. 14.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: Managing risks of plant in the workplace — Assessing plant risks — work practices and procedures; p. 20.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: How to manage work health and safety risks — 3. Step 2 — How to assess risks; p. 15.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: Managing risks of hazardous chemicals in the workplace — 2.2 Safety Data Sheets (SDS); p. 16.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: Managing the risk of falls at workplaces — 3.2 Identifying the hazards; p. 16.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: First aid in the workplace — 3. First aid equipment, facilities and training; p. 12.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: Managing the risk of fatigue at work — Provide sufficient breaks while at work; p. 30.

---

Standard Risk Assessment Features (Click to Expand)

• Activity-specific hazard identification and control measures
• Initial and residual risk ratings
• Assigned responsible persons for each activity
• Risk matrix and assessment classification
• Review, monitoring and sign-off fields
• Site-specific customisation before use