Harvest safety starts now, not when the grain starts coming in. Having critical hazard monitoring in place and starting pre-harvest preparation now will help ensure your operation—and your team—are as safe as possible during the busy season.

Earlier this year, NFPA announced 660 - Standard for Combustible Dusts and Particulate Solids, the single resource for dust hazards. It’s a critical step forward, making it easier to find guidance on dust hazards across a range of industrial footprints.

But did you know that without you, the 660 doesn’t work? Proactively preventing combustible dust buildup is your first line of defense. 

Start with these top five tips:

1. Clean on a regular, routine schedule – but don’t use push brooms, compressed air or fans—those create dust. 

2. Use industrial dust collectors, cleaning solutions and vacuums. Your goals is not just capturing dust but preventing air dispersal.

3. Don’t miss the hidden dangers – key high-risk areas often forgotten include suspended ceilings, corners, crevices and overhead structures.

4. Dispose properly – that means designated dust collection containers and preventing dust from being reintroduced to your facility.

5. Conduct a Dust Hazard Analysis – on all new and existing processes – on a regular schedule.

Want to learn more? Visit dustsafetyscience.com 

Schedule Your Pre-Season Inspection Today!

4B's site inspection and testing service includes:



• All rigid and flexible conduits inspected for: cracks, breaks, tightness of connections, and suitability for purpose.
• All wiring inspected for: ground faults, shorts, suitability for purpose.
• All sensors and controls inspected for correct installation and wiring to National Electrical Code (NEC) standards.
• All sensors and controls inspected for any signs of damage and tested to insure proper working order.
• Detailed written inspection and testing report with any recommendations given to client.

NOTE: 4B recommends that all sensors are wired to provide automatic shutdown of monitored equipment, when a hazardous condition is detected.

Call (309) 698-5611 to schedule your inspection.

Your ongoing maintenance program should include a step to periodically test your sensors to be sure they’re alerting properly.

Visually inspect the contact surface of the sensor and the sealtite, the wires, junction box and conduit to ensure proper operation.

Many sensors, like the 4B Touchswitch™, have a built-in test knob on the back of the sensor that allows for quick and easy operation verification without removing the sensor from the mounting hole.