MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA, US — The Grain Elevator and Processing Society (GEAPS) and Kansas State University (KSU) Distance Education Program is offering online courses focused on quality management systems, entrapment, maintenance and milling operations.

The courses will be held June 23-July 28 and registration closes June 17.

The GEAPS 530: Quality Management Systems for Bulk Materials Handling Operations course will focus on quality management systems and how to use them in agricultural storage environments. This course provides strategies to integrate systems into normal business activities, create food safety plans and develop quality management systems. After completing the course, participants should be able to do a basic quality analysis of facility operations and identify points where physical quality or economics are impacted.

During the GEAPS 545: Grain Entrapment: Causes, Prevention and Rescue course participants will learn how to identify problem areas, perform preventative maintenance and use equipment and systems to prevent entrapment. Lectures address government regulations, grain unloading and reclaiming, grain bin safety equipment and emergency preparedness.

Experienced employees who deal with conveyance equipment can benefit from the GEAPS 555: Advanced and Preventative Maintenance for Grain Facilities: Conveyance Equipment course. Lessons cover development and implementation of preventative maintenance programs, repair and upkeep for bucket elevators and conveyors, conveyance equipment lubrication and effective hazard monitoring.

The GEAPS 600: Overview of Milling Operations course enhances the knowledge and skills of workers involved in the milling process. It helps participants analyze the mass balance of material flowing through the mill and apply statistical process control techniques to monitor mill performance. Students will gain an understanding of sampling techniques and tools to accomplish proper sampling, the impact of milling practices on flour quality and blending practices that meet customer specifications.

Courses cost $700 for GEAPS members and $965 for non-members. 

For more information or to register for the courses, visit the GEAPS distance education website.