Critical Maintenance and Safety Measures for On-Farm Silos
In response to a series of high-risk incidents involving the collapse of on-farm silos, the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) is urging grain growers nationwide to assess and either maintain or decommission older silos to ensure safety and prevent losses.
Several serious incidents involving the collapse of on-farm silos in southern Australia have prompted the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) to issue a warning to grain growers. Chris Warrick, GRDC grain storage extension team specialist, emphasized the importance of regular assessment and maintenance of silos to mitigate risks to family members, farm staff, and grain stocks.
Importance of Silo Integrity
Warrick highlighted that well-maintained silos could last over 30 years but stressed the need for growers to inspect and recognize when storage equipment has become structurally compromised. “The potential risks to family members or farm staff if a silo fails are very serious, with implications for grain or other losses,” Warrick stated. He urged growers to seek alternative storage options, make necessary repairs, or decommission silos that are no longer structurally sound.
Higher Risk Commodities
Certain commodities, such as pulses and fertilizers, present higher risks compared to cereal grains due to their higher bulk density and different flow characteristics. These factors place greater loads on silos, potentially causing failure if there are structural weaknesses. “Cracked concrete bases, unlevel bases, damaged silo legs or wall sheets, corroded rivets or bolts are known contributors to silos failing under load,” Warrick explained.
Key Assessment Questions
Growers should assess silo integrity by considering the following:
- Is the foundation the silo is sitting on stable?
- Are the support legs and base rings free of damage and rust and in sound condition?
- Are the wall sheets free of damage and rust?
- Are all rivet and bolt fixings in sound condition?
- If the silo has a ladder structure, is it in sound condition for safe use?
- Does cleaning and operating the silo pose a safety risk?
Additional Precautions
GRDC grower relations manager north Graeme Sandral advised extra caution when out-loading fertilizers, as they absorb more moisture than stored grain. The differential moisture content can present risks, particularly when the dry side empties first, potentially leading to silo collapse.
Warrick also emphasized the importance of safe operation, noting that access to the top of silos is often necessary for maintenance or monitoring grain. Older silos may have unsafe ladders, or none at all, necessitating the installation of safe ladders, elevated walkways, or the use of mobile boom lifts.
Proactive Planning
Warrick encouraged growers to write a maintenance or decommission plan for silos immediately following loading or out-loading. This proactive approach ensures that any issues are addressed promptly, enhancing the safety of farming operations.
Growers are urged to visit storedgrain.com.au for more information and to contact the national team of grain storage specialists at 1800 WEEVIL for additional support.
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