Stand Up 4 Grain Safety Week
Critical Safety Devices
Photo courtesy of C. Jones.
Featured Training Topic
TOPIC – Critical Safety Devices
DAILY LEARNING SESSION
THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2026
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM (CDT)
Helpful Tip
Register once! Select the virtual session(s) you want to attend during registration.
Critical Safety Devices – Check, Test, Inspect
FREE, live virtual training provided by the GHSC (Grain Handling Safety Council) and GEAPS (Grain Elevator Processing Society).
Dave Newcomb (IFSI) and Todd Albert (ADM) present this two part session. The first part of this session concentrates on those devices which HAVE to be maintained in working order to be ready and available when you need them most such as fire extinguishers, air/gas monitors, alarm systems, etc. Failure of these types of devices can be catastrophic. Dave will show participants how to check, inspect, and test these deivces and explain what to look for, maintenance schedules, proper storage, etc. The second half of the session provides on overview on hazard monitoring systems such as different types of sensors and motion monitoring. Todd will impart his wisdom and experience on when and where to use different types of sensors, how to select effective setpoints, and when to properly inspect and test each device. Participants will leave with a strong, practical knowledge of hazard monitoring and be better equipped to evaluate the hazard monitoring practices within their own facilities. His goal is for participants to return to their sites prepared to start meaningful conversations about improving (or implementing) their facilities critical safety devices (CSD’s) hazard monitoring systems.
Meet Our Presenters!
Presenter – Todd Albert!
Todd Albert is a dedicated Maintenance Engineer for Hazard Monitoring at ADM, where he plays a key role in maintaining the reliability, safety, and efficiency of critical safety device systems. Known for his technical expertise and 
hands-on problem solving approach, Todd supports the organization by diagnosing complex mechanical and electrical issues, implementing preventive maintenance strategies, and ensuring compliance with facility and safety standards. Working under the leadership of Jeremy Davis and VP of Ag Services & Milling, Michael Means, Todd contributes to strengthening operational performance and equipment longevity across the facility. He is valued for his strong work ethic, attention to detail, and commiment to supporting a safe and productive work environment. Driven by continous improvement and professional growth, Todd brings both technical skill and practical experience to every challenge – helping to keep operations running smoothly and safely each day.
Presenter – Dave Newcomb!
Dave Newcomb has been associated with IFSI since 1987 and has taught more than 200 classes.
In 2011, Dave was advanced to Ag Rescue Program Manager and has overseen its growth with additional classes and topics and an expansion of on-site training in grain bin rescue. Dave developed, ushered the approval of, and secured initial grant funding for a hybrid grain bin rescue course, expanding opportunities for rural, volunteer fire departments to receive this training. He is a regular spokesperson on agricultural rescue training and has made numerous presentations and participated in numerous media interviews. In 2013, Dave was instrumental in bringing Large Animal Rescue Awareness Training to IFSI. He is certified at the Technician level in Trench Rescue, Confined Space Rescue, Rope Rescue and Structural Collapse Rescue.
Dave began his fire service career in 1976 with the Edge Scott Fire Protection District in Urbana. He joined the Urbana Fire Department in 1980 and in 1992 was promoted to Lieutenant. During his time at Urbana, Dave was an Emergency Medical Technician and served on the committee that formed Urbana’s Technical Rescue Team. He retired from the Urbana department in 2011 after a total of 35 years in the fire service.
Besides serving as an instructor and Program Manager for IFSI, Dave is active in farming nearly 2,200 acres of corn and soybeans in Central Illinois.