Ontario’s agricultural sector recognise the rapid increase in on-farm grain handling systems allowing farmers to store and market grain themselves. However, with the increase in these grain handling systems also comes the increase in dust emissions.
Aside from the fact that excessive dust can create serious health and safety issues for workers and nearby communities, there is also the issue of loss of product. As grain is sold by weight, any dust escaping during the handling and storage process can reduce a farms profitability.
There are steps you can take during the process of grain handling to reduce or capture dust particles and return this product to the storage silos ready for sale.
Fixed or mobile dust collectors with flexible ducting can capture dust at its source and provide real benefits to a farmer’s bottom line. These De-dusters feature hoppers to collect the dust particles released from the filter. From the hopper the dust can be stored in drums or bulker bags and returned to the grain silos or bins.
Transferring the grain to the storage bins using conveyor systems is also a main contributor to dust generation and loss of product. In the past, conveyors have been run at very slow speeds to avoid dust escaping at transfer points and unsealed joints. However, with the correct dust collection unit, dust can be extracted at the source, and conveyor speeds can be increased dramatically, saving farmers valuable time and money.
When developing an on-farm grain dust control plan, it is also wise to consider ventilation systems for silos and storage bins to keep the grain aerated and dry while awaiting sale. A custom designed dust control plan will save farmers time and money and help reduce the risk of exposure to harmful, disease causing, respirable dust for workers, communities, and the environment.
While putting together your long-term dust management plan, rental mobile dust collectors may provide a temporary dust control solution. These units can be hired for short or long periods to provide immediate dust control. The advantage of mobile units is the ease in which they can be relocated. This may prove advantageous when trying to establish the best location for a more permanent unit to be installed or if you have multiple sources generating dust.
For more information on managing dust on your farm contact us at info@grydaleusa.com.