Canceled in 2020 due to the coronavirus, GEAPS Exchange returns to Columbus, OH, from August 6-9.
Though it is being held at a different time of year and there will be rules to lessen the risk of infection, this marks the first time the grain handling industry has gathered en masse since 2019. Though the pandemic is not over, this is an encouraging sign that better days are in front of us.
COVID-19 protocols
The COVID-19 health and safety protocols listed below are mandatory as of July 7, 2021.
These protocols are subject to change. Click here for the most current information.
General Exchange 2021 COVID-19 Health and Safety Protocols
- During registration, all people must provide information for contact tracing purposes, complete a short questionnaire, and sign a waiver of liability.
- Hand-sanitizing stations will be placed throughout the event space to encourage frequent hand sanitizing.
- Abide by all instructional and directional signage at the event.
- Do not attend if you are feeling unwell or have any of the common COVID-19 symptoms.
- If you become unwell after entering the premises, please leave immediately and seek medical attention.
Additional COVID-19 Health and Safety Protocols Pertinent to the Expo Hall/Exhibiting
- Separate sets of doors will be used for entering and exiting the expo hall.
- Lunch will be available for a duration of approximately 3 hours each day and served using best practices for safety. Lunch seating will be available for attendees in the expo hall. Exhibitors may eat/drink in their booth spaces if they wish.
Expo hall
The GEAPS Exchange Expo Hall will be more spread out than in past years, but it is still a great place to talk to exhibitors from across the industry. They will be able to listen to issues at your facility and help provide the best solution for the problem.
Exhibitors will also be showing the newest equipment in the industry alongside old standbys. Stop in to browse booths, network, attend hands-on learning in the Expo Pods or watch a live grain entrapment demonstration. While in the expo hall, be sure to drop by Feed & Grain’s Booth#431 to chat!
Education
At the time of publishing, a final education schedule had not been released, but GEAPS gave us a preview of what to expect.
Here are some of our favorite choices from the preliminary agenda.
Idea Exchange
Every year GEAPS pulls together the grain handling industry’s most innovative new products and services and asks their inventors to give a presentation to the industry. This is the Idea Exchange, taking place on Saturday, August 7, from 8 to 9:15 a.m. Join industry peers to see what’s new for the industry and find a unique solution to one of your facility’s problems.
Best Practices in Selecting and Maintaining Gear Reducers and Bearings
Downtime is often blamed on poor maintenance or lack of maintenance. Undoubtedly, proper maintenance is important in keeping your conveyor in uptime and not downtime. There are several operators with exceptional maintenance, however, that struggle with downtime. A contributing and often overlooked cause of downtime is the conveyor’s gearing and bearing selection and proper maintenance for the application. Presented by: Brad Droegmiller, senior territory manager, and Shelley Gager, segment manager for ABB.
OSHA and EPA Regulatory Update
This presentation will provide an update on emerging regulatory issues within the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Topics will include OSHA’s and EPA’s policies, rule-makings and interpretations on such issues as continued enforcement within the grain handling industry; injury and illness record keeping; combustible dust; walking working surfaces and temporary storage. Presented by Jess McCluer, vice president of Safety & Regulatory Affairs, NGFA.
Are You Doing Enough to Reduce Injuries from Belt Conveyors?
Properly working conveyors are one of the best productivity-enhancing tools available. But entrapment in nip points, abrasions, burns and pinch zones can create damage by shearing and crushing that cause injuries. The right training, preparation and safety precautions can help. This highly interactive presentation offers five strategies to keep workers safe around belt conveyors. Learn the likelihood and the cost of accidents. Examine case studies and real-life examples of conveyor injuries and discuss how they can be avoided. Presented by Jerad Heitzler, training manager, Martin Engineering. ■
For more information or to register, visit GEAPS Exchange.
