Purdue to Host Workshop on Grain Dust Explosion Prevention

Purdue Extension is offering workshops for farmers and grain handling facility employees on June 21 and 22 to foster understanding of grain dust hazards and steps to prevent combustions and explosions.

“On average, there are 10 grain dust explosions every year in the United States, causing damage, injury, and death,” said Kingsley Ambrose, assistant professor at Perdue University’s Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, in a statement. “Our goal is to raise awareness of the perils of grain dust explosions and reduce this number.”

The workshops consist of sessions on identification of grain dust hazards in handling and milling facilities and preventative and safety improvement controls. Those attending will also see a live demonstration of a grain dust explosion.

“Our participants will be able to identify active steps to reduce immediate threats, improve their knowledge of dust reduction methods, and better understand the combustion and explosion potential of grain dust,” said Ambrose.

Registration is free, but participants must sign up by June 16 for the workshops. The first session will be held on June 21 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Consolidated Grain and Barge Company in Mount Vernon, IN. The second will take place on June 22 from 8 a.m. to noon at the Daviess County 4-H building in Washington, IN.

The workshops are funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

For more information, email Chad Martin at [email protected] or visit Purdue Extension’s website.

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