Industrial
Silica & Flour Dust: Combustible Risk Management
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High Risk Specialists
Confined Space & Silo Cleaning
Zero-entry solutions for hung silos, blocked vessels, and hazardous confined spaces. We keep your product flowing and your people safe.
Confined Space Ticketed Gas Testing Certified Working at Heights Rescue Training
The Danger of Blocked Silos
Silo blockages aren't just an annoyance; they are a fatality risk. We handle the situations legitimate businesses shouldn't attempt.
The Challenge
The 'Hung' Silo Risk
Product bridging or rat-holing creates unstable voids. Sending staff in to 'poke it' is a primary cause of industrial suffocation deaths.
The MJ Solution
Zero-Entry Whip Technology
We use remote-controlled pneumatic silo whips that enter from the top hatch. We unblock the vessel without a human ever entering the danger zone.
The Challenge
Cross-Batch Contamination
Old product stuck to vessel walls rots or harbours weevils, contaminating fresh batches and ruining tonnes of product.
The MJ Solution
Full Drop & Sanitise
Our confined space teams (breathing apparatus trained) perform full vertical descents to scrape, wash, and sanitise walls back to bare metal.
The Challenge
Flow Rate Reduction
Slow feed rates due to partial blockages slow down your entire production line, costing thousands in lost throughput per hour.
The MJ Solution
Emergency Rapid Response
We deploy rapid response teams across SEQ to clear blockages and get your line running at 100% capacity in minimum time.
The Dangers of "Hung" Silos
A "hung" or bridged silo is one of the most dangerous hazards in industrial manufacturing. Attempting to clear a blockage from below can result in engulfment, while sending untrained staff inside is a fatality risk due to oxygen displacement or crust collapse.
ProSan Australia deploys specialist confined space teams equipped with full harness systems, gas monitors, and rescue tripod kits. We enter from the top to mechanically agitate and remove compaction safely, restoring full flow without risking your personnel.
Our Unblocking Capabilities
- Bridging & Ratholing: Removing crusts that form across the silo diameter.
- Wall Scaling: Removing old product build-up that reduces capacity and harbours weevils/mould.
- Blockage Clearwater: Pneumatic and mechanical clearing of discharge cones.
Safety First Protocol
Every entry requires a dedicated sentry (standby person), continuous atmospheric monitoring, and a signed Permit to Work.
preventative Hygiene
Schedule annual "empty & clean" cycles to prevent product spoilage and verify the structural integrity of your vessel.
Industries Requiring Silo & Vessel Cleaning
From flour mills to chemical plants, we handle the most challenging confined space cleaning environments.
Flour Mills
Flour, wheat, and grain silo cleaning with ATEX-safe equipment
Sugar Refineries
Sugar silo and bin cleaning, preventing crystallisation buildup
Cement & Concrete
Cement silo unblocking and cleaning for batching plants
Feed Mills
Stockfeed silos requiring regular contamination control
Breweries & Distilleries
Malt and grain storage vessel sanitation
Chemical Storage
Powder and bulk chemical handling vessels
Pharmaceutical
Raw material storage with GMP requirements
Plastics Manufacturing
Pellet silo cleaning and cross-contamination prevention
Zero-Entry & Confined Space Entry Capability
Where possible, we use zero-entry technology to eliminate risk. When entry is unavoidable, our teams are fully certified for the highest-risk environments.
Pneumatic Silo Whips
Remote-controlled agitation from the top hatch
High-Pressure Washing
Industrial units rated for food-safe use
Abrasive Blasting
For stubborn scale and corrosion removal
Descending Teams
Rope access and harness entry from above
Our Safety Protocol
- Confined Space Entry Permit (CSEP) issued for every job
- Continuous atmospheric monitoring for O₂, LEL, CO, H₂S
- Dedicated standby person (sentry) at all times
- Rescue tripod and self-retracting lifelines staged
- Lock-out/Tag-out of all mechanical and electrical feeds
- Direct line of communication to surface at all times
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 'hung' or 'bridged' silo?
A hung silo occurs when product compacts against the walls, leaving an empty cavity below while appearing full from the top. This is extremely dangerous as the crust can collapse without warning, engulfing anyone below or inside.
Can you unblock a silo without entering it?
In many cases, yes. Our pneumatic silo whips and agitation rods can be operated remotely from the top hatch, eliminating the need for human entry. This is always our preferred approach where technically feasible.
How quickly can you respond to an emergency blockage?
We offer rapid response across South East Queensland. For production-critical emergencies, we can typically mobilise a team within 24-48 hours.
What certifications do your team hold?
All team members hold current Confined Space Entry (CSCS), Gas Testing, Working at Heights, and First Aid certifications. Our supervisors are also trained in Confined Space Rescue.
How often should silos be cleaned to prevent blockages?
We recommend an annual 'empty and clean' cycle for most silos. Flour and sugar silos may require more frequent attention depending on humidity and product turnover. Regular cleaning also allows inspection of vessel integrity.
Blocked Silo? We Can Help.
Don't risk your staff or your product. Contact our specialist team for a rapid response and safe resolution.