Grain Bin and Grain Storage Confined Space Entry Checklist
This checklist ensures grain bin entry operations comply with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146 Permit-Required Confined Spaces, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.272 Grain Handling Facilities, and NFPA 61 Standard for the Prevention of Fires and Dust Explosions in Agricultural and Food Processing Facilities. Grain bin entry is one of the most dangerous agricultural activities.
- Industry: Agriculture / Grain Storage
- Frequency: Per grain bin entry event
- Estimated Time: 30-40 minutes
- Role: Farm Safety Officer / Grain Facility Manager
- Total Items: 22
- Compliance: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146 Permit-Required Confined Spaces, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.272 Grain Handling Facilities, NFPA 61 Prevention of Fires and Dust Explosions - Agricultural Facilities, NIOSH Preventing Deaths and Injuries in Grain Storage and Handling
Energy Isolation
Lockout/tagout before grain bin entry.
- All augers, conveyors, and grain-moving equipment locked out?
- Bin sweep/unloading system locked out?
- All electrical equipment to bin locked out and tagged?
Atmospheric Testing
Oxygen, combustible gas, and toxic gas testing.
- Oxygen level 19.5-23.5% inside bin?
- Combustible gas level below 10% LEL?
- Carbon monoxide below 35 ppm?
- H2S below ceiling limit (20 ppm)?
- Bin ventilated for minimum 10 minutes before entry?
Entrant Safety Equipment
Required safety gear for grain bin entrant.
- Entrant wearing full-body harness with attached retrieval line?
- Retrieval line attached to above-grade anchor and mechanical retrieval device?
- Continuous atmospheric monitor worn by entrant during entry?
- SCBA available at entry in case of atmospheric emergency?
Grain Condition Assessment
Grain bridging and crusting hazard assessment.
- Grain bridging (crusted surface over empty space) tested before entry?
- Entry NOT permitted when grain is being loaded or unloaded from bin?
- Walking boards installed to distribute weight if entry required on grain surface?
Attendant and Rescue
Outside attendant responsibilities.
- Attendant stationed at bin entry at all times - never leaves post?
- Communication maintained continuously between entrant and attendant?
- Rescue equipment (tripod/retrieval winch) set up before entry?
- Emergency services pre-notified or on standby?
Confined Space Permit
Permit completion and documentation.
- Confined space entry permit signed by entry supervisor before entry?
- Permit posted at bin entry point during entire entry?
- Permit canceled and filed upon entry completion?
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Why Use This Grain Bin and Grain Storage Confined Space Entry Checklist?
This grain bin and grain storage confined space entry checklist helps agriculture / grain storage teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for farm safety officer / grain facility manager professionals, this checklist covers 22 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: per grain bin entry event.
Ensures compliance with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146 Permit-Required Confined Spaces, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.272 Grain Handling Facilities, NFPA 61 Prevention of Fires and Dust Explosions - Agricultural Facilities, NIOSH Preventing Deaths and Injuries in Grain Storage and Handling. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Grain Bin and Grain Storage Confined Space Entry Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 22 inspection items across 6 sections: Energy Isolation, Atmospheric Testing, Entrant Safety Equipment, Grain Condition Assessment, Attendant and Rescue, Confined Space Permit. It is designed for agriculture / grain storage operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed per grain bin entry event. Each completion takes approximately 30-40 minutes.
Who should use this Grain Bin and Grain Storage Confined Space Entry Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Farm Safety Officer / Grain Facility Manager professionals in the agriculture / grain storage industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.