Confined spaces What all agricultural workers need to know
What is a confined space? Enclosed Worker can get inside Not intended for occupancy Difficult to evacuate or rescue 2
Grain bins Toxic gases Low oxygen Engulfment (by grain) Bacteria and moulds Mechanical equipment (augers) 3
Milk tank Mechanical parts (cleaning wands, agitators) Toxic gas (from cleaning chemicals) 4
Manure pond Toxic gases Low oxygen Drowning Bacteria and moulds Moving machinery (agitators and pumps) 5
Open-top water tanks Toxic gases Low oxygen Drowning Bacteria and moulds Cleaning chemicals 6
Closed additive tanks Toxic gases Low oxygen Drowning Bacteria and moulds Cleaning chemicals 7
Boilers Asbestos Silica dust Hot surfaces Welding fumes 8
Brown water tank Toxic gases Low oxygen Bacteria and moulds Mechanical equipment (pumps, agitators) Drowning 9
Pump shed Toxic gases Low oxygen Bacteria and moulds Mechanical equipment Electrical shock 10
Mobile equipment — manure tank Toxic gases Low oxygen Bacteria and moulds Mechanical equipment Cleaning chemicals 11
Crawl spaces Toxic gases Low oxygen Bacteria and moulds Vermin (spiders, snakes) 12
Storm water manholes Toxic gases Low oxygen Bacteria and moulds Drowning 13
Sanitary – septic tanks Toxic gases Low oxygen Bacteria and moulds Drowning 14
Valve boxes / chambers Toxic gases Low oxygen Bacteria and moulds 15
Bunkers Toxic gases Low oxygen Bacteria and moulds Engulfment (burial) 16
Auger tunnels Toxic gases Low oxygen Bacteria and mould Vermin (spiders and snakes) Mechanical Equipment 17
Sanitary pump/lift stations Toxic gases Low oxygen Bacteria and moulds Drowning Electrocution 18
Well pits Toxic gases Low oxygen Drowning (if flooded) Electrocutio n 19
Do not enter even to rescue someone, unless you have been trained Keep out Do not enter even to rescue someone, unless you have been trained Talk to your employer or supervisor 20
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