MANHATTAN, KANSAS, U.S. — Kansas State University (KSU) will offer a combustible grain dust prevention workshop teaching advanced mitigation methods from 1 to 4 p.m. on Feb. 28 in Omaha, Nebraska, U.S., following the 2014 Grain Elevator and Processing Society’s (GEAPS) Exchange.

The three-hour advanced training will focus on housekeeping practices, proper grain unloading and grain handling, and controls, with a demonstration of sensors and other engineering controls. In this program, the emphasis will be on controlling dust in the grain receiving area, spouting design, bucket elevator safety, sensors for bucket elevators and other material handling equipment. In addition, the course will cover venting, explosion suppression and isolation.

“The past two years, we have focused on increasing awareness of basic grain dust explosion understanding and mitigation techniques. Now we will go beyond this to research-based mitigation methods,” said Kingsly Ambrose, project leader and KSU assistant professor in grain science and industry.

As a result of the workshop, participants will be able to identify active steps to mitigate immediate threats, improve their knowledge on dust mitigation methods and have a better understanding of equipment used throughout a grain handling facility.

“KSU’s extensive awareness programs of grain dust hazards and mitigation methods have had a profound effect on raising awareness about the prevention of grain dust explosions,” said Dirk Maier, grain science and industry department head. “Gaining a deeper understanding of the equipment and methods that individuals and facilities can employ to reduce the risk of explosions and loss in grain handling and processing facilities will help to prevent future grain dust accidents.”

The initiative is funded through a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor – Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Online registration for the workshops is available at www.grains.k-state.edu/igp. More information is also available by contacting Ambrose at graindust@ksu.edu or 1.785.532.4091.