A streamlined process for grain dryer inspection and approval should make it easier for farmers in Manitoba to get up and running this upcoming harvest season.
As all grain dryers have to be inspected by the Office of the Fire Commissioner (OFC), the organization has established a central booking process co-ordinated with Manitoba Hydro to streamline the scheduling of inspections. In addition, the availability of inspectors has been expanded to include evenings and weekends throughout the harvest season, and a 24-hour inspection hotline will be available from August 15 to December 31.
“We recognize the importance of responding in a timely fashion, and the OFC has taken strides to improve the inspection and approval process for grain dryers,” says Blaine Pedersen, Manitoba’s Minister of Growth, Enterprise, and Trade in a news release. “When producers find they need to dry the grain in their bins, it is important to be able to move quickly and accommodate a large number of requests that may come in at the same time.”
As always, farmers must ensure the installation is completed in compliance with the manufacturers installation instructions along with the Canadian Standards Association code requirements. All of those checks must be completed prior to the inspection to avoid unnecessary delays.
“We have heard loud and clear from producers that we must do better when it comes to reducing red tape on grain dryers,” says Ralph Eichler, minister for Manitoba Agriculture.
The province also announced it will be harmonizing installation requirements with Saskatchewan to further reduce confusion as equipment suppliers and installers often serve clients in both provinces. According to Pedersen, the OFC and SaskEnergy are working closely to align the approval process and installation requirements such as venting, dryer and fuel tank protection and general installation code requirements.
Related:
Tips for setting up a new grain dryer
