Grain Journal - May/June 2008 - (Page 54)

Confined Space Questionnaire A QUICK TEST TO ASSESS YOUR BIN ENTRY PROGRAM The grain industry continues to have serious problems with entry into confined spaces. There is no question that such entry can be hazardous. However, a well-trained and well-equipped entry team can do the job safely. Take a look at the questionnaire below and assess your entry program accordingly. SAFETY Adam Schupp Ask These Questions • Have all confined spaces been inspected for hazards that could represent a danger to an entrant? Note: Such hazards as electrical, mechanical, etc. should be documented, including what action will be taken to isolate or eliminate those hazards before an entry takes place. • Does the history of each confined space document what pre-entry precautions should be accomplished before entry takes place? Note: Such precautions could be the testing of the inner environment for oxygen deficiency or a toxic atmosphere. • Are confined spaces naturally ven- tilated for as long as possible before entry? • Is all entry equipment inspected for damage and/or excessive wear on a monthly basis? • Are all entry personnel adequately trained for the job they are to perform? • Is a trained observer stationed outside the confined space, in order to assist or summon help for an emergency rescue, if needed? • Does the outside observer have the means to summon assistance, if needed? • If a top entry exceeding five feet is required, is the entrant raised and lowered by a boatswain’s chair and mechanical winch? • Does the outside observer maintain contact with the entrant at all times by way of observation or by signal line? • Are instruments that measure the environment inside a confined space calibrated before entry? • Does your entry team perform a mock emergency rescue at least once yearly? Special Precautions • Have all entry personnel been cautioned never to leave the safety of a boatswain’s chair, in order to walk down grain to make it flow? • Have all entrants been instructed never to enter a bin underneath bridged grain? • Have entrants been instructed never to enter a bin where there is a buildup of grain on the sides that could fall and bury them? As a plant manager, it is your responsibility to take every precaution possible to protect your workforce. I urge you to review the questionnaire above, and if every question cannot be answered with a firm yes, then your entry program needs attention. Adam Schupp is a safety consultant in N. Fort Myers, FL; 239-731-5947. Response No. 541 54 GJ M/J http://www.molemaster.com http://www.molemaster.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Grain Journal - May/June 2008

Grain Journal - May/June 2008 Rail Transportation Review ADM Antitrust Lawsuit Transportation News Northern Star II Fiction Series SAFETY: Star of the West Milling Co., Frankenmuth, MI Frontier Cooperative Co., Silver Creek and Garrison, NE Frick Services Inc., Leiters Ford, IN Great Bend Coop Association, Pawnee Rock, KS Antwerp Equity, Antwerp, OH Scoular Co., Wellington, KS Old Time Elevator GEAPS Leadership Conference GEAPS News Aeration Tube Bracing Case Study Topflight Grain Inc. GEAPS/NGFA OM&T Seminar Grain Notes Superintendent Profile Executive Search Grain Salvage Safety, Adam Schupp Rail Track Maintenance Temporary Storage Systems ... Part II Drive Maintenance Employee Retention Hedging Strategies, Philip Luce What's Ahead in Plant Genetics RBH Mill & Elevator...New Name Corn/Soybean Merchandising, John Beurskens Wheat Merchandising, Kyle Smith Safety Insights, Lynn Larsen CFTC Ag Market Initiatives Vertical Software AgTrax Technologies Inc. NGFA Convention Coverage Rod Clark Interview Futures Markets Grain News Farm Bill Impact 2008 DICKEY-john Grain Moisture Meter Calibrations Rail Safety GMO Testing Kits Leasing/Sales - Locomotives/RR Railcar Vibrators Railcars Gate Openers Remote Controls Railcar Movers/Pullers Dust Suppression Railroad Track Services Level Indicators Transportation Equipment Grain Dryers Manlift Repair Samplers Level Indicators Monitoring Equipment Samplers Protectants Magnets Dust Collection Power Transmission NPK CE Inc. Contractors/Engineers/Millwrights Ameritrack RR Contractors Monitor Technologies LLC Aldon Company, Inc. Maxi-Tronic Inc. Metso Minerals Industries Inc. CompuWeigh Corp Material Handling Engineering, Inc Support Towers Accu-Steel, Inc Grain Belt Supply Co. Scales Specialty Industries, Inc. Aeration Liners Restoration Contractors Al Vigen Obit Bin Cleaning Bucket Elevators TWIC Extention Cleaners Rail Service Survey Computer Software Firms Conveyors Elevator Maintenance Diesel Fuel Costs Survey Distributors Dave Leuning Obit Major Drivers Shaping Industry Elevator Buckets Security, Curt Haugen Grain Coolers Grain Dryers Biofuels Energy Saving Ideas Pneumatic Conveyors Grain Grading OSHA News Power Transmission Probes West Central Gains ISO Certification Protectants Steel Storage APOSGRAN Leadership Safety/Maintenance Equipment Temporary Storage USDA Energy Grant Programs Transportation Equipment GIPSA News Grain Handling Accessories Fumigants Long-Expected Expansion Product Recalls Fall Protection Feed Safety Developments AFIA News Feed News Packaging/Closing Systems Palletizers Belting Storage Ad Index

Grain Journal - May/June 2008

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