Prevention of Grain Dust Explosions

This Grain Safety program is intended for workers and managers in the grain industry including grain elevators, farm operators and workers, grain haulers, and agriculture business owners. The major focus of the program is on safety in confined space work areas including entry, respiratory protection, and prevention of Grain Dust explosions.

At the conclusion of this presentation, participants will:

Describe several recent dust explosions and the dust deflagration process
Identify the basic considerations used in a facility hazard analysis for dust
Describe the prevention and mitigation techniques used in control of the combustible dust hazard
Describe Minimum Explosive Concentration (MEC)
Identify combustible particulate solids
Identify training needed for employees
Identify housekeeping techniques to prevent an grain dust explosion
Understand employees’ rights and responsibilities
Describe the OSHA Agricultural exemption

Dan Neenan, MBA, Paramedic

NECAS Manager

Dan joined NECAS staff in August 2002 as Director. Dan is a Paramedic Specialist, Firefighter II and EMS Instructor. He is a member of the Iowa Propane Board; Vice Chair of the Dubuque County Emergency Management Commission; and Treasurer, Dubuque County EMS. In his work at NECAS, Dan has developed several OSHA approved training programs as well as agricultural rescue programs. Safety programs include viticulture safety, enology safety, confined space-grain bin entry, prevention of grain storage fire and explosions, chemical safety, and confined space- manure pit safety. Rescue programs at NECAS include tractor rollover, combine auger rescue, grain bin rescue, and manure pit rescue.