Risk of death if damaged silos are not taken seriously
Released 14 Sep 2010
With 69 silos having failed due to the Canterbury earthquake, Federated Farmers Grain & Seeds is warning of injury or death if damaged silos are not expertly inspected.
"As the ground continues to settle, the failed silo count is now at 69 and we expect the number will easily top 100," says David Clark, Federated Farmers Grain & Seeds Mid-Canterbury chairperson.
"Given some reports of damage, we ask all farmers to now make a visual inspection of their urea silos as well. If you suspect any damage whatsoever then either call in an engineer if you own the silo, or the applicable fertiliser company if you lease it.
"Failure to act safely may result in death and the Department of Labour will rightly take a dim view of any unsafe work practices.
"Federated Farmers is extremely concerned at reports over some of the methods being used to remove contents from silos that are leaning over.
"If any silo is structurally compromised then you must call in an engineer or the company which supplied it. They are the only ones qualified or equipped to safely remove contents from a damaged structure.
"We need to focus on the miracle that no one died directly from the earthquake. It would be a travesty if someone died in the recovery," Mr Clark concluded.
For further comment:
David Clark, Federated Farmers Grain & Seeds Mid-Canterbury chairperson, 027 495 5202
