GEAPS Exchange 2025: Dust Explosion Panel
Session Description
Join us for an engaging panel discussion on Dust Explosion, where industry experts will delve into the critical causes and prevention strategies vital for ensuring safety in facilities. Our panelists will unpack the latest updates to NFPA 660, highlighting both the evolving standards and the enduring elements that impact the grain and feed industry. Attendees will gain insights into prioritizing key requirements from NFPA standards, understanding the differences between risk assessments and DHAs, and exploring effective protection methods tailored to specific scenarios. This discussion promises to equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary to enhance safety protocols and foster a culture of proactive hazard management in your organization. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from the best in the field and ensure your facility is prepared for the challenges ahead!
Meet The Speakers
Craig Froehling
Manufacturing Technology Lead WW Grain
Cargill Incorporated
Craig Froehling is the manufacturing technology leader for Cargill’s global grain handling/storage business. In his 37-year career, Froehling has also worked as a project engineer, plant engineer, maintenance manager, plant manager and process technology leader in the wheat flour milling and rice milling businesses. He is involved corporately with engineering and design, combustible dusts, storage problems and reliability. Froehling is a member of the NFPA 61 Technical Committee and NFPA Correlating Committee. He graduated from North Dakota State University where he earned a degree in agricultural engineering. He enjoys hiking, kayaking, traveling, DIY projects and relaxing at home with family.
Jeramy Slaunwhite
Chief Technical Officer - Explosion Safety
Rembe Inc
Jeramy Slaunwhite is a mechanical engineering graduate from Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. He has more than 15 years’ of applied engineering experience. Slaunwhite has developed expertise in manufacturing, consulting and governmental environments in fields including material handling, industrial ventilation, mechanical building systems, energy conservation and project management.
His career focus on industrial combustible dust assessment and design has developed his exceptional familiarity with the NFPA standards for combustible dust safety. Slaunwhite joined REMBE® Inc. in 2018 as their North American Explosion Safety Consultant where he applies his combustible dust knowledge on explosion safety solutions and technical support for various industries and applications with a focus on NFPA compliance and risk management methodology. In addition to being an active member on many NFPA technical committees for combustible dust safety, Slaunwhite has extensive experience with performing combustible dust hazard assessments and explosion safety engineering design work throughout various manufacturing and process industries.
Timothy Heneks
Director, Engineering Services
CV Technology
Timothy Heneks is the Director of Engineering Services at CV Technology, leading a team of consultants with Combustible Dust expertise.
As a licensed professional engineer and Principal Member of the NFPA 61 Technical Committee, Tim plays a pivotal role in shaping combustible dust safety standards for the grain handling industries.
His background as a plant engineer, safety leader, and explosion protection designer brings a unique perspective helping his clients to navigate the complexities of combustible dust safety with practical, effective, and compliant solutions.
Brian Edwards
Global Explosion Protection Consultancy Manager
Fike Corporation
Brian Edwards, PE serves as global explosion protection consultancy manager at Fike Corporation.
Edwards earned a degree in civil and environmental engineering from Georgia Tech, and he is a licensed professional engineer with more than 20 years’ experience as a consultant to industry. He has extensive experience in combustible dust hazard analysis. (DHA), fire and explosion protection design as well as hazardous materials assessment, He is a principal member of NFPA’s Correlating Committee for Combustible Dust overseeing the creation of NFPA 660.
Edwards has conducted numerous combustible dust hazard analyses and designed fire and explosion protection systems in a number of industries, including: food and agriculture, lumber and wood products, energy, battery, metals, chemical, pharmaceuticals, rubber and plastics, paper and cellulose, building products, automotive, and aviation.