Free grain silo inspection checklist

• The MapTrack grain silo inspection checklist contains 24 checks across 4 sections. Sections covered: Shell & structure, Roof, hatches & vents, Aeration & temperature, Dust control & hazardous area.
• Silo identification: silo number capacity (tonnes) commodity stored construction type (galvanised steel concrete or fabric) construction date last full inspection date and the operator or asset owner.
• Shell condition: visual inspection for corrosion pitting weld defects bolted seam condition staining (indicating moisture ingress) and any wall deformation or out-of-round.
• Hopper or cone and base: hopper plate condition outlet gate operation cone seam condition base ring and anchor bolt torque plus foundation pad cracking and settlement.

Learn more about compliance and inspections in MapTrack.

• Engulfment prevention: structured audit of sweep auger lockout entry permit harness anchorages and signage targets the highest fatality category in grain handling so operators do not enter a flowing or bridged silo without controls in place.
• Dust explosion control: inspecting dust accumulation on horizontal surfaces inside elevator head and boot enclosures and confirming electrical classification housekeeping and hot work permit controls reduces the catastrophic primary and secondary dust explosion risk.
• Structural fatigue surveillance: cyclic fill and unload pressure on the silo wall fatigues welded seams and bolted joints across years and a documented inspection identifies cracking deformation and corrosion early enough to repair before structural failure.
• AS 1747 and AS 1170 alignment: silo design and inspection against AS 1747 safety requirements and AS 1170 structural loading provides the defensible compliance position Australian regulators insurers and bank securities expect on farm and depot assets.
• OSHA 1910.272 compliance: for US operators or Australian operators serving export grain customers documented inspection covers entry permit hot work lockout dust housekeeping and emergency action plan obligations under OSHA 1910.272 grain handling facilities.
• Aeration and fumigation safety: inspecting aeration fan ducts vent screens and fumigation signage prevents both gas exposure incidents and the moisture related crusting that contributes to silo bridging engulfment and unsaleable grain.

• Silo identification: silo number capacity (tonnes) commodity stored construction type (galvanised steel concrete or fabric) construction date last full inspection date and the operator or asset owner.
• Shell condition: visual inspection for corrosion pitting weld defects bolted seam condition staining (indicating moisture ingress) and any wall deformation or out-of-round.
• Hopper or cone and base: hopper plate condition outlet gate operation cone seam condition base ring and anchor bolt torque plus foundation pad cracking and settlement.
• Roof and ventilation: roof plate condition peak cap inspection hatch latch screened roof vents pressure and vacuum relief and any signs of moisture ingress around the eave.
• Ladders fall protection and access: ladder cage condition rest platforms anchor points for harness use and access hatches plus signage at the base of each ladder against AS 1657 fixed platforms.
• Aeration system: fan and motor condition belt and intake screen condition duct integrity inlet and outlet temperature differential and any blocked aeration floor.
• Sweep auger and unloading: sweep auger lockout point isolation procedure auger flighting condition guards in place and out-of-service tag system.
• Fumigation and dust: phosphine fumigation signage current empty container disposal vent purge schedule plus dust accumulation on every horizontal ledge and inside elevator head and boot.
• Electrical classification: hazardous area classification per AS/NZS 60079.10.2 dust explosion zone signage motor enclosure rating and earth continuity on conductive equipment.
• Confined space and entry controls: entry permit register harness lifeline and tripod equipment current gas test kit current and rescue plan and signage at every entry point.

1. Confirm the silo is isolated and gather records

   capture silo number capacity commodity construction type and last inspection date, isolate aeration fans sweep auger and any electrical equipment under lockout tagout and confirm fumigation has not been applied or the safe re-entry period has expired before approaching any access hatch or entry point.

2. Walk the external shell hopper and roof

   inspect the silo wall at ground level for corrosion pitting bolted seam separation weld defects moisture staining and wall deformation, walk the base ring inspecting anchor bolts foundation pad cracking and settlement and use a long lens or drone where helpful to inspect the roof peak cap latch and screened vents.

3. Inspect ladders fall protection access and aeration

   check the ladder cage condition rest platforms harness anchor points and signage against AS 1657, inspect the aeration fan motor belts intake screens duct integrity and verify inlet and outlet temperature differential is within the expected range for the commodity, season and grain moisture content.

4. Assess sweep auger fumigation dust and electrical classification

   inspect the sweep auger lockout point and out-of-service tag system, confirm fumigation signage is current with the correct safe re-entry date, audit dust accumulation on every horizontal ledge inside the elevator head boot and on top of motors and check the electrical equipment matches the hazardous area classification per AS/NZS 60079.10.2.

5. Verify confined space controls document defects and sign off

   confirm the entry permit register, harness lifeline tripod gas test kit are current and the rescue plan is on file, log every defect with location severity recommended action and responsible person, set a target date for remediation and have the inspector and asset owner sign the report and the next inspection due date.

Practical answers about the form, record keeping and using MapTrack.

This form is a starting point. Check the current requirements that apply to your equipment, work and location. The form alone does not establish compliance.

• WHS Act 2011 (Section 19)
• AS 1747-2003 (Silos for storage of bulk materials Safety)
• AS 1170 series (Structural design actions)
• AS 1657-2018 (Fixed platforms walkways stairways and ladders)
• AS/NZS 60079.10.2:2020 (Hazardous area classification combustible dust)
• OSHA 1910.272 (Grain handling facilities)

• Model Work Health and Safety Act (Safe Work Australia)
• OSHA 29 CFR Part 1910, Occupational Safety and Health Standards

MapTrack publishes this template. The linked authorities publish their own guidance; they haven't endorsed this form.

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