A series of high-risk incidents involving the collapse of on-farm silos has industry experts calling on grain growers across the country to assess and either maintain or decommission older silos.
Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) grain storage extension team specialist Chris Warrick offered the warning in the wake of several serious, on-farm incidents involving the collapse of silos in southern Australia, emphasising that growers needed to effectively check, assess and recognise when critical storage equipment was no longer fit for purpose.
“The potential risks to family members or farm staff if a silo fails is very serious, there are also implications for grain or other losses, so this is an issue that growers need to pay attention too,” he said.
“If a silo is not structurally sound, we strongly encourage growers to seek an alternative storage option, make repairs or decommission the silo to prevent further damage, injury or catastrophic failure of the silo.
The well-known Australian expert said a checklist for growers assessing silo integrity should include:
• 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 fixings (rivets and bolts) in sound condition?
• Is the ladder structure (if applicable) in sound condition for safe use?
• Does cleaning and operating the silo pose a safety risk?
GRDC Grower Relations Manager – North, Graeme Sandral also urged growers to take extra care when out loading fertilisers as fertilisers absorb more moisture than stored grain.
“Growers should be aware that the northern and western sides of silos often have lower moisture, with higher moisture in the southern side of the silo.
“This can present risks when out loading with the dry side generally emptying first in the worst-case scenario this can lead to silo collapse.”
In addition to structural integrity, Mr Warrick encouraged growers to consider safe operation as part of the assessment.
“Whether it be for maintenance or monitoring grain, access to the top of silos is necessary so safe access is a requirement,” he said.
“Silos being fit for purpose includes a safe way to access the top.”
GRDC has information resources available via storedgrain.com.au with the national team of grain storage specialists available by phoning 1800 WEEVIL.
