BUNK SILO SAFETY: Tips To Stay Safe In Your Bunk Silo

• ROPS (roll-over protective structures) should be installed on all tractors.
• Never fill a bunk higher than the wall height.
• Maintain a 1:3 slope on the sides and ends of a drive-over pile.
• Back up steep slopes to prevent roll-backs.
• Establish a driving procedure to prevent collisions when there is 1<pack tractor being used at one time.
• Sight rails and lights can be installed on the walls to indicate the location of the wall to the tractor operator.
• Only unload wagons or trucks when on a firm, flat surface.
• A tire rut, low tires on a side, uneven loading, and wind gusts increase the risk of machinery tipping.

Avalanche Risk

• Never stand near the feedout face.
• Stand far away from the face. Take the height of the silage, multiple by 3, and remain that many feet from the face.
• Piles should not be filled higher than the equipment can reach (most unloaders can reach 12-14 feet).
• Don't pitch spoiled silage, this is a high fall and avalanche risk.
• Use proper unloading techniques, shave silage down the face.
• Never dig the bucket into the bottom of the silage.
• Never park near the feedout face.
• Wear a safety vest so you are visible in the bunk.

Entanglement/Run Over

• Never repair machine while it is running.
• Adjust rearview mirrors on all equipment.
• Install backup alarms.
• Never allow people in or near a bunk silo during filling.

Falling Risk

• Install guard rails on walls.
• Use caution when removing plastic, tires, tire sidewalls, gravel bags.
• Use equipment operating at ground level to remove spoilage from the surface.
• Never allow a person to ride in the bucket to take samples from a feedout face.

Follow the "buddy rule", you should never work alone in or near a bunker silo. 

Check out the Lallemand Silage Safety Handbook for more information!