Grain News

Arc Flash Safety is Primary Topic During IAOM's Wheat State District Winter Meeting

Date Posted: December 11, 2007

By Josh Flint, Milling Journal editor

Wichita, KS--Members of the International Association of Operative Millers' Wheat State District met in Wichita, KS Dec. 7 for an afternoon technical program and evening banquet. (View photos from the event.)

Protecting millers against the dangers of an arc flash comprised the bulk of the technical session.

An arc flash is a type of electrical explosion that results from a low impendance connection to ground or another voltage phase (short) in an electrical system.

Garth Johnson, corporate safety manager for Cereal Food Processors, discussed various compliance rules for protecting against arc flash incidents.

Johnson mentioned that most arc flashes occur when circuit breakers are in the process of being engaged or disengaged.

In addition to Johnson's presentation, Cintas Sales Representative Andrea Althouse (316-945-5700) presented some safety options for guarding against the fire hazard associated with arc flashes.

Along with a variety of fire hazard personal protection equipment (PPE), Cintas also offers laundering and repair services.

Dr. Jeff Gwirtz, Kansas State University (KSU), kept the audience entertained with a candid look at past activities of the KSU Department of Grain Science and Industry.

Chuck Peterson, Peterson Predictive Maintenance (620-728-1295), spoke about his company's ultra sound detection capabilities.

Using specialized stethescopes, the company can pinpoint pieces of equipment, such as a bearing, that are likely to fail in the future.

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