Grain Bin Confined Space Entry Permit and Safety Checklist
This checklist supports permit-required confined space entry into grain storage bins per OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146 Permit-Required Confined Spaces and OSHA 29 CFR 1910.272 Grain Handling Facilities standard. Grain bins are among the most hazardous confined spaces due to engulfment, atmospheric hazards, and entrapment risks.
- Industry: Agriculture / Grain Storage
- Frequency: Each entry event (permit issued per entry)
- Estimated Time: 20-30 minutes
- Role: Entry Supervisor / Safety Officer
- Total Items: 22
- Compliance: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146 Permit-Required Confined Spaces, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.272 Grain Handling Facilities, OSHA Agricultural Field Sanitation Standard, NFPA 61 Prevention of Fires and Dust Explosions in Agricultural Facilities
Atmospheric Testing
Gas/atmospheric testing before and during entry.
- Oxygen level 19.5%-23.5%?
- Flammable gas below 10% of Lower Explosive Limit (LEL)?
- Carbon monoxide (CO) below 35 ppm PEL?
- Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) below 1 ppm (TLV) or 10 ppm PEL?
- Continuous atmospheric monitoring will be maintained during entry?
Engulfment Prevention
Grain engulfment prevention - deadliest grain bin hazard.
- All grain-moving equipment (augers, conveyors, unloading equipment) locked out?
- Grain level documented and entrant aware of grain depth in bin?
- Walking boards / safety rope harness rigged over grain surface?
- Entrant not walking on moving grain or grain with voids (crusted grain)?
Emergency Retrieval Equipment
Rescue equipment staged before entry.
- Rescue tripod and mechanical winch set up over entry point?
- Full body harness on entrant with retrieval line attached?
- SCBA or supplied air available for rescue?
Outside Attendant
Outside attendant duties and communication.
- Attendant trained on rescue procedures and not entering space?
- Two-way communication established between entrant and attendant?
- Attendant has means to call 911 and local emergency services?
Ventilation
Grain bin ventilation before and during entry.
- Forced air ventilation running before entry (minimum 5 minutes)?
- Continuous ventilation maintained throughout entry?
- Entry permit signed by entry supervisor and posted at entry point?
- Entry debrief / hazards encountered
Permit Cancellation
Proper entry permit closure.
- All entrants confirmed exited before permit cancelled?
- Entry permit cancelled and retained per OSHA record requirement (1 year)?
- LOTO removed after all personnel clear of space?
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Why Use This Grain Bin Confined Space Entry Permit and Safety Checklist?
This grain bin confined space entry permit and safety checklist helps agriculture / grain storage teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for entry supervisor / safety officer professionals, this checklist covers 22 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: each entry event (permit issued per entry).
Ensures compliance with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146 Permit-Required Confined Spaces, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.272 Grain Handling Facilities, OSHA Agricultural Field Sanitation Standard, NFPA 61 Prevention of Fires and Dust Explosions in Agricultural Facilities. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Grain Bin Confined Space Entry Permit and Safety Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 22 inspection items across 6 sections: Atmospheric Testing, Engulfment Prevention, Emergency Retrieval Equipment, Outside Attendant, Ventilation, Permit Cancellation. It is designed for agriculture / grain storage operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed each entry event (permit issued per entry). Each completion takes approximately 20-30 minutes.
Who should use this Grain Bin Confined Space Entry Permit and Safety Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Entry Supervisor / Safety Officer 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.