↗️Bunker cleaning - Efficient cleaning solutions for your storage structures

Bunker cleaning – Efficient cleaning solutions for your storage structures

Bunker cleaning and silo cleaning for industrial storage constructions and storage structures

Bunker cleaning or silo cleaning is a process in which bunkers or silos are cleaned of dirt, deposits, mold or other hazardous substances. Bunkers and silos are usually used to store grain, oilseeds, chemicals or other substances.
Bunker cleaning and silo cleaning are in fact very similar processes. Bunkers and silos are both structures that are used to store different materials. However, both structures can have different sizes and shapes depending on the type of materials stored and the intended use.

Generally, bunkers are used for the short-term storage of materials such as gravel, sand, rubble and the like. They can often also be mobile and temporary. Silos, on the other hand, are usually larger, stationary structures used to store grain, chemicals, oilseeds or other materials.

However, as both structures are used for storage purposes, they are both subject to the same problems. This means that they can become dirty over time, have deposits of materials and may have mold or other harmful substances.
Therefore, cleaning bunkers or silos requires similar procedures to rid the structures of debris and hazardous substances. In practice, however, the methods for cleaning bunkers and silos can vary depending on the size and shape of the structures and the specific requirements of the material used.

For this reason, the term bunker cleaning is often used as a synonym for silo cleaning, as both processes are closely related and often require similar methods.

Who benefits from bunker cleaning

Bunker cleaning or silo cleaning is primarily for the safety and protection of people, the environment and assets. Deposits in silos can lead to hazardous gas emissions and are a potential risk to the health and safety of workers and the environment.

Legal aspect

Bunker cleaning is subject to certain legal requirements and regulations to ensure that it is carried out in a safe and environmentally friendly manner. In some countries, there are specific laws and regulations for the cleaning of bunkers and silos.
In silo cleaning / bunker cleaning, a safe access procedure is crucial to minimize accidents and health risks for employees.

Some of the safety related access procedures are:

Locking devices: Before cleaning begins, the silo should be locked and secured with locking devices to prevent unauthorized persons from entering the silo.
Limited access authorization: Only qualified employees with appropriate training and experience should be allowed to enter the silo. It is important that employers ensure that their employees have the necessary skills and knowledge to carry out cleaning safely.
Supervision: During cleaning, the silo should be constantly monitored to ensure that employees are working safely and that no hazardous situations arise.
Emergency plan: Employers should have an emergency plan that is activated in the event of an accident or injury in order to respond quickly and effectively.

It is important that employers fulfill their legal obligations with regard to the occupational health and safety of their employees. This includes the provision of personal protective equipment, training and instruction in safe silo cleaning, regular inspection of working conditions and the implementation of health and safety measures.

The employees responsible for silo cleaning must have the necessary qualifications and knowledge to work safely. They should have appropriate training and experience in the safe handling of hazardous substances, the use of cleaning agents and the handling of heavy equipment.

Overall, a safe access procedure in silo cleaning is essential to minimize the risk of accidents and health hazards. Employers have an important role to play in ensuring occupational safety and protecting the health of their employees.

Aspects of occupational health and safety

Bunker cleaning or silo cleaning is a hazardous task that requires thorough planning and execution to ensure that workers and the environment are protected. Health and safety aspects, such as the use of protective clothing, respiratory equipment and employee training, are essential when carrying out cleaning work.

Access procedures

Accessing a bunker or silo can be difficult and often requires specialized equipment and procedures. There are various ways to facilitate access to silos or bunkers, such as the use of aerial work platforms, access holes or safety ladders.

Hazardous substances
Hazardous substances such as asbestos, mold or toxic gases can be released during bunker cleaning or silo cleaning. Workers must therefore be protected accordingly and precautions must be taken to avoid environmental contamination.

In silo cleaning / bunker cleaning, there are various methods that can be used depending on the type of silo and the contaminants to be removed. Here are some of the most common cleaning methods used in silo cleaning:

Dry cleaning: In dry cleaning, soiling is removed using compressed air, brooms, brushes or vacuum cleaners. This method is best suited to dry materials such as grain.
Wet cleaning: Wet cleaning is used for silos that are filled with moist or sticky materials, such as sugar or molasses. The material is sprayed with water or steam to loosen it before it is removed with a scraper or brush.
Dry cleaning: Dry cleaning uses special cleaning agents to loosen hard-to-remove contaminants. This method is suitable for removing greasy deposits or encrusted materials.
Explosion technique: This method is used for very stubborn soiling. An explosive gas is introduced into the silo, which is then ignited. The explosion loosens the material from the walls and makes it easier to remove.

It is important that the correct cleaning process is selected for each silo and each type of contamination to ensure effective and safe cleaning. In addition, all cleaning procedures must adhere to strict health and safety measures to ensure the safety of employees.

As man-made structures, bunkers can be built in different sizes and shapes to store a variety of materials. Here are some of the most popular types of storage bunkers:

Grain bunkers: Grain bunkers are often used in agriculture to store grain. They are often large and cylindrical or rectangular and usually have a narrow opening at the top to empty the grain.
Salt and sand bunkers: These bunkers are often used on roads and highways to store salt and sand to combat ice and snow. They are usually relatively small and have a wide opening at the top.
Debris and waste bunkers: These bunkers are often used on construction sites to store debris and waste. They are usually mobile and can be easily moved to meet the needs of the construction site.
Chemical bunkers: Chemical bunkers are often used in industry to store chemicals. They are usually small and have to ensure safe storage and handling of hazardous chemicals.
Oil bunkers: Oil bunkers are often used in shipping and industry to store oil. They are often large and cylindrical or rectangular and usually have a narrow opening at the top to drain the oil.

The cleaning of bunkers, especially grain bunkers and chemical bunkers, requires strict measures to protect the employees carrying out these tasks. It is important that health and safety measures such as wearing protective clothing, respirators and other personal protective equipment are strictly adhered to. Training and instructing employees in the handling of hazardous substances is also of great importance in order to minimize accidents and health risks.

Extreme caution is also required when cleaning oil bunkers, as oil and other liquids are highly flammable and there is a risk of explosions. Special protective measures must be taken here, such as switching off electrical devices and machines in the vicinity of the bunker and avoiding sparks.
Overall, occupational health and safety is essential when cleaning bunkers to ensure the safety of employees and the quality of the stored materials. It is important that companies offering bunker cleaning services take the necessary measures to comply with health and safety regulations and train and educate their employees accordingly.

Source reference

BG RCI: https://www.bgrci.de/
Employer’s Liability Insurance Association for Transport and Traffic: https://www.bg-verkehr.de/
Professional association for silo technology: https://www.fv-silotechnik.de/
Occupational Health and Safety Act: https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/aschg/

Areas for silo cleaning / bunker cleaning in Germany: