IN THIS EDITION:

Key Hazard Monitoring Considerations
Top 5 Combustible Dust Safety Tips
CEMA - Celebrating Leadership

4B Training - On the Road
Meet the Team – Hope Rossner

Key Hazard Monitoring Considerations

Did you know that bucket elevators, chain conveyors and enclosed conveyors have up to 12 potential points for hazard monitoring? Sending everyone home safely starts with knowing what to monitor.

And those monitoring points are:

Bucket Elevators

Bearing temperature x 4 (or more with Knee Pulleys)
Belt misalignment x 4 (or more with knee pulleys)
Shaft speed
Plug/choke
Motor temperature
Gearbox temperature

Chain Conveyor

Bearing temperature x 4
Slack chain sensor
Motor temperature
Gearbox temperature

Enclosed Conveyor

Bearing temperature x 4
Belt misalignment x 4
Tail pulley lug sensors x 2
Motor temperature
Gearbox temperature

Top 5 Combustible Dust Safety Tips

Combustible dust is a serious risk, but proactive maintenance keeps your facility safe. Keep these top five tips in your toolbox:

Schedule regular cleanings and avoid push brooms, compressed air or fans that spread dust.
Rely on industrial vacuums, collectors and cleaning solutions to trap dust before it goes airborne.
Inspect high-risk areas like ceilings, corners, beams and hidden crevices—dust loves to hide there.
Ensure collected dust never re-enters your facility and use designated containers.
Perform regular Dust Hazard Analysis for all systems—new and old—to stay ahead of risks.

Find more great harvest safety tips HERE.

Celebrating Leadership at the CEMA 2025 Engineering Conference

The 2025 CEMA Engineering Conference, held in Naples, Florida, brought together leading engineers from across the conveyor industry to collaborate on innovation, safety, and technical excellence. One highlight of the event was a special presentation by Past President Johnny Wheat to Tamara Thimmel, current President of CEMA.

Johnny had the honor of recognizing Tamara’s outstanding leadership with two awards—one for her service as the outgoing Chair of the Engineering Conference Committee, and another for her role as the outgoing Chair of the Unit Handling Section.

“It was an honor for me to present two awards to Tamara, for outgoing Chair of the Engineering Conference Committee and for the outgoing Chair of the Unit Handling Section. Congratulations Tamara, and thanks for all you do for CEMA.”

— Past President Johnny Wheat

Tamara’s contributions have been instrumental in guiding the direction of the Engineering Conference and strengthening collaboration within the industry. Her dedication to advancing CEMA’s mission continues to inspire colleagues and drive innovation across the sector.

Employee Spotlight

Who is Hope?

Hope Rossner, Sales Engineer

Material Handling Division

What’s the best part of your role?

“The unique blend of engineering design and customer connection. I get to design material handling equipment engineered specifically for each application, build meaningful relationships with customers and support them with solutions.”

Why specialize in material handling?

“Thinking about how the design of an elevator or conveyor moving grain has an impact on industries like food production, biofuels and so many more is very rewarding.”

How does engineering help differentiate 4B Components?

“Engineering is at the heart of what sets 4B Components apart. Rather than just selling a product, we care about finding the most efficient solution and offering in-depth technical support for our customers’ problems. We work with our customers, providing valuable expertise throughout every stage of the process, from initial design to final sale.”

Outside of work

“I’m active in my church, and I love spending time with my family and friends, playing card games or reading at coffee shops. Also, I’m originally from Michigan, so I like exploring new places in the Peoria area!”

4B Sharing Best Practices On The Road

At the GEAPS Seaway maintenance training event in Springfield, Ohio, 4B shared hazard monitoring, control system applications and maintenance best practices.

Brian Knapp, Vice President – Electronics Division, and Gil Garcia, Senior Territory Sales Manager – Electronics Division, brought a demo leg and sensors for a true hands-on training experience. They emphasized the importance of sensors and safety and shared tips on sensor operation and location.

Thanks to Sweet Manufacturing for the invite and hosting!

UPCOMING EVENTS - Where will you be?

Be sure to stop and say hello at the following events!

Oct 8-9 : Grain & Milling Expo, Casablanca, Morocco - [Stand 56B-1]

Oct 16 : GEAPS Golf South Associates Night, Laplace, LA

Nov 4-6 : CFAI Carolina Feed Industry Association, Raleigh, NC

Nov 5-7 : AFAI Equipment Manufacturers Conference, Rancho Mirage, CA

Dec 7-9 : NGFA Country Elevator Conference & Tradeshow, Indianapolis, IN - [Booth #524]