MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA, U.S. — Registration is now open for four courses from the Grain Elevator and Processing Society (GEAPS) and Kansas State University (KSU) Distance Education Program.  Two of the courses deal with safety, while other courses address milling operations and process flow diagrams. 

These online courses run from May 29 – June 29, and registration closes May 22. Courses are open to anyone, even if they are not a GEAPS member or a student enrolled at KSU. Online registration and more information on courses are available on the GEAPS/KSU Distance Education Program website.

GEAPS 542: Electrical Safety for Grain and Processing Facilities

This course provides a basic understanding of electrical safety requirements for grain elevators and processing facilities. It will help participants understand general electrical standards in grain facilities, including the requirements for electric motors and lighting, safety standards and why standards exist. This course also will teach students how to perform an audit, how to identify the classifications in a facility and how to hire qualified electrical contractors.

GEAPS 545: Grain Entrapment: Causes, Prevention and Rescue

Participants 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.

GEAPS 600: Overview of Milling Operations

This 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 also 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. 

GEAPS 610: Interpretation of Process Flow Diagrams

This new course focuses on interpretation, use and creation of process-flow diagrams, especially in grain handling and processing facilities. It will discuss the purposes, benefits and limitations of flow diagrams, and investigate how diagrams depict processes in facilities devoted to grain-handling, feed processing, grain dry milling and wet-process separation. At the end of the course, students will be required to develop a relatively simple flow chart.

GEAPS 600 is required for the Credential in Grain Processing Management (CGPM) and GEAPS 542 and GEAPS 545 are both required for the Specialist Credential in Property and Casualty Risk Management.  Learn more about the credential program on the GEAPS website.

Tuition for GEAPS/KSU continuing education courses is $700 for GEAPS members and $965 for non-members. GEAPS also offers flexible group training options, including courses on-demand and volume discounts. For more information about the courses or to register, visit the GEAPS website, contact Katya Morrell or call 763.999.4300.