Product Overview

This Silo and Storage Vessel Access Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is developed to help PCBUs, supervisors, and workers safely manage the risks associated with accessing, operating, and maintaining silos and storage vessels on Australian worksites. It is a comprehensive, task-specific document that covers multiple aspects of silo entry, product handling, and equipment operation to support WHS compliance and effective control of High Risk Construction Work.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Safe access and egress procedures for silos, tanks, and storage vessels, including fixed ladders, platforms, and access hatches
• Assessment and control of atmospheric hazards when accessing silos or tanks, including oxygen deficiency, toxic gases, and dust
• Planning and control measures for agitated vessel work, including isolation of agitators, lockout/tagout, and guarding of moving parts
• Operation of silo extractor systems, including start-up, shutdown, isolation, and clearing of blockages without exposing workers to engulfment risks
• Management of product flow, bridging, and rat-holing within silos to prevent sudden collapse, engulfment, and structural overload
• Controls for preventing and managing overflowing of silos, including level monitoring, alarms, and emergency shutdown procedures
• Silo loading procedures for road tankers, augers, conveyors, and blowers, including vehicle positioning, exclusion zones, and communication protocols
• Silo unloading and discharge operations, including verification of receiving capacity, product compatibility, and control of dust emissions
• Identification and control of ignition sources, including static electricity, hot surfaces, and mechanical sparks in dusty or flammable atmospheres
• Implementation of fall prevention and protection when working at heights on silo tops, access platforms, and walkways
• Confined space risk management where applicable, including entry permits, standby personnel, rescue planning, and atmospheric testing
• Inspection, maintenance, and housekeeping controls to minimise build-up of product, dust, and residues around silos and associated plant
• Emergency response procedures for entrapment, engulfment, exposure to hazardous atmospheres, and plant malfunction

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for agricultural operations, bulk storage facilities, feed mills, grain handlers, manufacturing plants, and site supervisors responsible for the safe access, loading, unloading, and maintenance of silos and storage vessels.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017
• Managing Confined Spaces Code of Practice: Guidance on safe entry, work, and rescue in confined spaces such as silos and tanks
• Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces Code of Practice: Requirements for fall prevention and protection when accessing and working on silos and elevated platforms
• Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace Code of Practice: Controls for operating and maintaining silo extractor systems, agitators, conveyors, and associated plant
• Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace Code of Practice: Guidance where stored materials or cleaning agents are classified as hazardous chemicals
• Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice: Requirements for safe access, egress, and emergency response arrangements around silos and storage vessels
• AS 1657 Fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders – Design, construction and installation
• AS/NZS 60079 (series) Explosive atmospheres – For sites where combustible dusts or flammable vapours may be present around silo operations