Silo gas hazards and safety tips
Thursday, July 15th, 2010
Silos are an important part of many farming operations. However, they are also the cause of many accidents. These accidents include falls, electrocution, entanglement in augers and silo gas inhalation.
Silo gases are heavier than air, can be found near the base of a recently filled silo and orange to yellow in color. They escape from the silo through chutes, cracks and drains, usually within 48 hours of filling the silo. The gases have a bleach-like smell and you will experience a burning sensation in your nose, throat and chest. Due to the risk of exposure, it is suggested that you stay out of the silo for the first three weeks, unless wearing a self-contained breathing apparatus. These gases can kill birds, livestock and humans.
1. Silos should be off limits to children, pets and unauthorized personnel for 3-4 weeks.
2. Barricade or lock up silos.
3. Be on the alert for pungent odors and brightly yellowed or orange discoloration of any silage lying around the chute or silo room. Watch for yellow, orange
or brown gases. However, nitric oxide is colorless.
4. Always make sure someone else is around before entering the
silo.
5. Ventilate by leaving all doors, windows and roofs open for three
weeks after final filling. Keep barn doors closed.
6. Chute doors should be level with the silage.
7. Run blowers for 20-30 minutes before entering a silo and keep
running to provide air movement.
8. Keep emergency telephone numbers of your fire dept. and rescue squad near both the barn and house phones.
9. Recognizable warning decals should be posted.
10. Test forage for nitrate before feeding.
