Grain dust is a serious concern for many farmers. Exposure to grain dust can result in eye, skin and upper respiratory tract irritation, as well as bronchitis symptoms and chronic decrements in pulmonary function. Furthermore, grain dust can cause damage to equipment and is highly combustible, further resulting in reduced efficiency, injury and even death.
The following tips can help keep workers safe and reduce their exposure to grain dust:
About Grain Dust:
Grain dust is produced from harvesting, drying, handling, storing or processing crops such as barley, wheat, oats and rye. As such, exposure to grain dust is an inevitable part of the job for many agriculture workers.
Grain dust is made up of plant material, mould and mould spores, insect parts, bacteria, endotoxins and soil. This particulate matter can easily find its way into small spaces, leading to adverse health effects and equipment damage, and can explode when ignited if the right conditions are present.
How to Reduce Exposure:
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Download your own copy of our "Agricultural Risk Advisor: Grain Dust" so you can always have this resource handy as a reference guide: