Hi Does any body have and experience or know of any specific guidance within the manufacturing/building trade related to the cleaning of dry Cement Silo's? The task is to remove excess material from inside the silo prior to changeover of material, or as part of general maintenance. It involves physically climbing down into the silo, to manually move material which cannot be moved by mechanical means, using a hand shovel. I went in myself today to get a feel for the task, and the risks are controlled as far as is possible. I'm looking for further guidance to ensure we're doing the best we practically can. I think i recall a large concrete product manufacturer having issues with a similar topic last year- just trying to find that information now too. I'm confident that this process has been made as safe a possible, but would appreciate any comments regarding best practise for this task from anyone with experience of it. Thanks, Kralph.

Some PFA is inert due to the source and can be used for building embankments etc. Some PFA is toxic due to the source and has to be sent to hazardous waste landfill. Needless to say the toxic stuff in a dust form is not too good for you!

Silo always sounds as confined spaces for me! Is it a confined space? If yes then it requires a more specific set of control measures including training of ops.

Yes, it is classed as a confined space. I was hoping to find some information regarding safe cleaning of silos on t'internet, and i'm sort of getting there. A lot of the information is silo cleaning tools or products that Companies are trying to sell. Ideally i was hoping for a HSE information sheet on this, but i think the majority of information is going to be Confined Spaces, with references to Silo use, (rather than Silo-specific).

Shame really, it would be practical to produce one, in my opinion. With advice and guidance in a format like the ones they produce for Circular Saws etc etc. and maintenance of LEV's and so on.

www.cardox.co.uk/Cardox_silos.pdf Don't know if it upsets mods with this link, sorry if it does. Phil

No worries, it's very effective and very safe. We have blew up bridges, mooring piles, anchor blocks and lots of structures with it. That what this site should be all about. If you can help a fellow forum Member having to reinvent the wheel then that's all good!!! Phil

Another vote for Cardox although I seem to recall you need cardox injection points built in to the silo wall. There may be more than one method of application though. Another alternative is a mechanical flail system that is lowered from the silo top hatch. These are mentioned in INDG258. Finally vacuumentation but you do need to loosen the hardened deposits first to shift via this method.