Grain Bin Safety Protocol Checklist

Protect your farm and your team! Download our comprehensive Grain Bin Safety Protocol checklist - your essential guide to preventing engulfment, suffocation, and other hazards in grain handling. Agriculture safety starts here.

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Hazard Identification & Risk Assessment

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Initial assessment of potential hazards and risks associated with grain bin operations. Includes identifying potential entrapment zones, equipment risks, and environmental factors.

Describe the general layout and contents of the grain bin (type of grain, depth, condition).

Identify potential hazards (check all that apply):

Grain Depth (feet)

Condition of grain (e.g., dry, damp, moldy)

Describe any previous incidents or near misses related to this grain bin.

Temperature of grain (degrees Fahrenheit)

Identify the most likely entrapment zone(s) based on grain conditions and bin configuration.

Record any existing control measures in place to mitigate identified hazards.

Confined Space Entry Procedures

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Detailed procedures for safely entering and working within the grain bin, including permit requirements, atmospheric monitoring, and rescue planning.

Entry Permit Required?

Reason for Entry (detailed description)

Permit Issue Date

Permit Issue Time

Atmospheric Monitoring Performed?

Oxygen Level (%), pre-entry

Carbon Monoxide (ppm), pre-entry

Hydrogen Sulfide (ppm), pre-entry

Hazards Identified/Mitigated (check all that apply)

Entry Point Location

Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) & Equipment Control

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Procedures to ensure all equipment related to grain bin operation is properly shut down and secured to prevent accidental startup.

Equipment Being Locked Out/Tagged Out:

Detailed Description of LOTO Procedure Followed:

Last Known Circuit Breaker/Disconnect Switch Number:

Disconnect Switch/Circuit Breaker Verified as 'OFF':

Specific Steps Taken to Prevent Accidental Startup:

Energy Sources Isolated (Check all that apply):

Lock/Tag ID Number (if applicable):

Date of Lockout/Tagout:

Time of Lockout/Tagout:

Lockout/Tagout Technician Signature:

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

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Requirements for appropriate PPE, including harnesses, lifelines, respiratory protection, and hearing protection.

What PPE is required for grain bin entry?

Harness Type (Confirm Correct Fit)

Lifeline Length (Feet)

Inspect Harness and Lifeline - Document Any Damage

Respirator Fit Tested?

Upload Photo of PPE Inspection (Optional)

Name of Person Inspecting PPE

Atmospheric Monitoring & Ventilation

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Procedures for monitoring oxygen levels, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen sulfide within the bin, along with ventilation requirements.

Oxygen Level (%), Before Entry

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Level (ppm), Before Entry

Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) Level (ppm), Before Entry

Ventilation Method Used

Detailed Description of Ventilation Procedure

Date of Last Atmospheric Monitoring

Time of Last Atmospheric Monitoring

Monitoring Device Calibration Status

Rescue Planning & Team Training

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Developing a rescue plan and ensuring all personnel involved in grain bin operations are properly trained in rescue techniques.

Describe the designated rescue team and their roles.

Which rescue equipment is available (e.g., tripod, rescue tube, harness)?

Number of team members trained in bin rescue.

Date of last rescue team training.

Estimated time to initiate rescue (from notification).

Upload a copy of the rescue plan document.

Describe communication protocols during a rescue operation (who to contact, how).

What is the designated assembly point for rescue personnel?

Describe the process for notifying emergency services (local fire department, EMT).

Grain Flow & Bridging Prevention

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Procedures to prevent grain bridging and flow issues that can contribute to entrapment hazards. Includes techniques for breaking down crusts and plugs.

Date of Last Grain Level Check

Describe any observed grain bridging or crust formation

Number of times grain was agitated to break bridging

Method used to break grain bridge (Select all that apply)

If 'Other' selected, specify the method used.

Vertical distance grain was agitated (feet)

Was grain flow impeded by foreign object?

If Yes, describe foreign object and action taken.

Date of next scheduled grain flow assessment

Communication & Emergency Response

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Establishing clear communication protocols and emergency response plans in case of an entrapment or other incident.

Emergency Contact Name (Primary)

Emergency Contact Phone Number (Primary)

Emergency Contact Name (Secondary)

Emergency Contact Phone Number (Secondary)

Brief Description of Emergency Response Plan

Designated Rescue Team Contacted?

Last Emergency Drill/Review Date & Time

Communication Methods Available During Operation (Select All That Apply)

Notes/Specific Communication Protocols

Equipment Inspection & Maintenance

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Regular inspection and maintenance of all equipment used in grain bin operations, including augers, conveyors, and ladders.

Last Auger Inspection Date

Auger Motor RPM (during inspection)

Detailed notes from Auger Inspection (Condition, Repairs, etc.)

Photos of Auger Condition (Pre/Post Inspection)

Last Ladder Inspection Date

Ladder Type

Ladder Maximum Load Capacity (lbs)

Any Ladder Repairs/Modifications Noted

Bin Ventilation System Operational?

Time of Bin Ventilation System Test

Training & Competency

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Ensuring all personnel involved in grain bin operations receive adequate training and demonstrate competency in safety procedures.

Which Grain Bin Safety Topics Have You Been Trained On?

Date of Last Grain Bin Safety Training

Number of Years of Experience with Grain Bin Operations

Briefly Describe Your Understanding of Grain Entrapment Hazards

What is Your Role in Grain Bin Operations?

Upload Copy of Training Certificate (if applicable)

Are you familiar with the facility's Grain Bin Rescue Plan?

Describe your understanding of the “Stand-by Person” role during grain bin entry.

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