Purdue, OSHA workshop to help prevent grain dust combustion, explosion

A Purdue Extension workshop will help farmers and those who work in grain handling facilities better understand how to prevent grain dust combustion and explosions.

The workshop, funded by a grant from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, includes sessions on handling and unloading grain, industrial hazards, and engineering techniques for overall prevention.

The training workshop will be held on September 10. 2021, 1-2 p.m. EDT, at the Southern Indiana Purdue Agricultural Center (SIPAC), 11371 E. Purdue Farm Road, Dubois, IN.

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

“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.”

To register to attend or for more information, contact Dr. Ambrose at rambrose@purdue.edu or ph.765-494-6599.