Hopper entry – Great Plains YP1630F-1670 Operator Manual User Manual
Page 83

Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc.
Maintenance and Lubrication
79
2012-12-27
401-832M
Hopper Entry
Normal use of the hopper and routine maintenance do
not require entry. The hopper vent tube structure
includes features to aid emergency egress. It is not
intended for routine entry. However, do not remove the
vent tube structure, as it is required for
pressure-balancing the space above the material.
▲ A hopper that is full or merely appears full can be an
entrapment hazard. You can sink entirely into the grain, or
into a void, and suffocate in a matter of seconds. Bridges
and crusts are especially dangerous.
▲ You can be overcome by hazardous fumes very quickly even
in an empty hopper with the lid open.
▲ A partially full hopper, even with no bridging present, is a
suffocation risk.
Oxygen levels may be insufficient and/or
dust levels may be too high for breathing.
▲ Do not enter a hopper for loading material.
▲ Do not enter a hopper for unloading material.
▲ Do not enter a hopper for routine cleaning.
▲ Do not enter a hopper for any meter maintenance.
▲ Never enter a hopper without at least one trained and
equipped attendant present.
▲ Never enter a hopper for any reason unless you fully comply
with applicable laws, regulations, rules, agreements, and
the instructions in this section. Where applicable laws,
regulations, rules, agreements contradict an instruction
below, do not follow that instruction.
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Rapid Suffocation Hazard:
Encrusted material may be loose and flowing beneath the
crust. Any hollow spaces are highly likely to have insufficient
oxygen and/or toxic gases from microbial action and/or
chemical reactions. Falling through a crust in either case can
result in death in a matter of seconds. Never enter a hopper to
dislodge a crust or bridge.