Product Overview

This Grain Handling Silos and Auger Safety SWMS is a site-ready Safe Work Method Statement designed to identify, control, and minimise risks associated with grain storage, transfer, and processing activities. It is a comprehensive document that covers multiple aspects of grain handling operations, supporting WHS compliance and safer management of grain silos and auger systems on Australian worksites.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Safe operation of grain handling silos, including loading, unloading, and isolation procedures
• Control measures for grain alignment tasks, including clearing blockages and managing bridging or rat-holing of grain
• Safe grain dryer operation, including heat sources, fire risk management, and monitoring of ventilation and fumes
• Grain handling and moving using augers, conveyors, and other mechanical transfer systems
• Stock feed manufacturing processes, including mixing, grinding, and transfer of raw materials and finished product
• Use of silos for grain storage, including inspection, maintenance, and structural integrity checks
• Prevention of engulfment and entrapment in grain, including no-go zones and emergency rescue considerations
• Control of dust, airborne contaminants, and explosion risks around silos, augers, and grain dryers
• Lockout/tagout and isolation of augers, motors, and associated plant before cleaning, maintenance, or blockage removal
• Management of noise, vibration, and ergonomic risks when operating or maintaining augers and grain handling equipment
• Safe use of mobile plant (e.g. loaders, tractors, telehandlers) in and around silo complexes and grain storage areas
• Working at heights on silos, catwalks, and access platforms, including fall prevention and safe access/egress
• Electrical safety for fixed and portable augers, grain dryers, and associated control panels
• Traffic management and segregation of pedestrians from vehicles in grain receival and storage zones
• Emergency response planning for fire, dust explosion, entrapment, and plant malfunction incidents

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for grain farmers, grain storage and handling facilities, stock feed manufacturers, agricultural contractors, and site supervisors responsible for managing silos, augers, and associated grain processing equipment.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace Code of Practice: Guidance on controlling risks from plant such as augers, conveyors, dryers, and silo equipment.
• Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces Code of Practice: Requirements for working at heights on silos, ladders, and elevated platforms.
• Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work Code of Practice: Controls for noise exposure from augers, motors, and grain processing machinery.
• Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace Code of Practice: Applicable where fumigants, pesticides, or other chemicals are used in grain storage or treatment.
• Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice: Ensuring safe access, egress, amenities, and environmental conditions around silo and grain handling areas.
• How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks Code of Practice: Framework for hazard identification, risk assessment, and implementation of control measures.
• Confined Spaces Code of Practice: Relevant where entry into silos or enclosed grain storage structures is required.
• AS/NZS 4024 Safety of Machinery (series): Guidance on guarding, emergency stops, and interlocks for augers and mechanical grain handling plant.
• AS 1657 Fixed Platforms, Walkways, Stairways and Ladders: Design and safety requirements for access systems on and around silos.
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017