Upright Silo Safety
(Continued from Page 38)
Silo Gases
Nitrogen dioxide is a deadly silo gas. If forms as a
result of chemical reactions that begin almost im
mediately after chopped plant material is placed in
a silo. Nitrogen dioxide is heavier than air and can
flow out and settle near the ground.
It may be visible as a reddish to yellowish-brown
haze around the base of a recently filled silo. It has a
characteristic bleach-like odor and leaves a burning
sensation in the nose, throat, and chest. Nitrogen
dioxide can result in instant death or permanent
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lung damage. The first three weeks after filling a
silo is when the risk of exposure is greatest.
Carbon dioxide is also a hazard. It replaces the
air in the confined headspace of a silo. As with ni
trogen dioxide, the risk of exposure is greatest the
first three weeks after filling a silo.
Due to risk of exposure to nitrogen dioxide and
carbon dioxide, stay out of silos during filling and
for three weeks, unless you wear an air-supplying
respirator. If a silo must be entered, do it immedi
ately after blowing the last load into the structure.
Leave the blower running for ventilation while
anyone is inside. Wear a lifeline and have outside
help available. Post a silo gas warning, and declare
the silo off-limits to everyone. Lock up all unloading
mechanisms.
Always wear a self-contained breathing appara
tus if you must enter the silo within four to six
weeks after filling. Have three people outside to
help if needed. Keep a hatch door open near the
level of the silage within the silo.
Running the blower for 15 minutes or more will
help freshen the silo. Keep it running constantly to
provide as much air movement as possible. Should
anyone collapse as a result of exposure to silo gas,
get them to a physician immediately.
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