Highly Hazardous Chemicals Used in the Food & Beverage Industry
Many highly hazardous chemicals are used in the food and beverage industry to create, process, and preserve the items we consume daily. Here are some examples of substances used in this sector:
Chlorine
Often used as a disinfectant and sterilizer of utensils and food processing equipment, chlorine is dangerous when mishandled. Exposure in low levels can lead to skin and eye irritation, but more severe cases can cause chest tightness, wheezing, or pulmonary edema.
Sodium Hydroxide
Sodium hydroxide is used to clean food processing equipment, but this odorless substance is highly corrosive. Skin and eye contact should be avoided because it causes severe burns and irritation. Meanwhile, accidental ingestion can result in nausea and vomiting.
Ammonia
Ammonia is commonly used in refrigeration systems, so it is essential in the food and beverage industry to preserve edible goods. However, it is toxic, so exposure and inhalation can lead to skin, eye, throat, and lung irritation.
Importance of Chemical Process Safety in the Food & Beverage Industry
Food and beverage manufacturing plants can significantly benefit from seeking expert assistance from consulting companies like Saltegra. After all, chemical process safety is of utmost importance in the industry due to various reasons, such as:
Proper Identification and Assessment of Hazards
Many toxic and flammable chemicals are used in the food and beverage industry. The hazards and risks associated with these substances should be thoroughly assessed, so you can make your processes safer.
Optimization and Improvement of Chemical-Related Processes
After identifying and analyzing hazards and risks in the workplace, process safety consultants can recommend ways to refine your existing chemical processes or develop new ones. This is essential to preventing chemical-related incidents.
Preparedness in Times of Emergency
In case an incident occurs, it is crucial that everyone in the facility knows what to do. They should be well-trained when it comes to emergency preparedness to avoid severe injuries and casualties and prevent possible worst-case scenarios.
Industries We Serve
Aerospace
The aerospace industry makes use of different combustible chemicals that can endanger the lives of people and cause severe environmental damage if mishandled. Chemical process safety is crucial to prevent such incidents. Saltegra Consulting LLC provides consulting services to help you ensure proper safety programs are in place.
Biogas/Biomass
The biogas/biomass industry is concerned with the use of renewable energy sources from organic matter. Companies in this industry typically utilize different chemicals to convert agricultural waste into biofuel. Saltegra Consulting LLC can help these companies keep their workplaces safe through chemical process safety solutions.
Chemical Manufacturing
The chemical manufacturing industry is a broad field that encompasses the research, mass production, and distribution of various substances that other sectors will use. To prevent the accidental release of the toxic, flammable, and explosive compounds utilized in their operations, chemical process safety programs are essential.
Reach Out
For more information about how our process safety and consultation services can help you, contact Saltegra Consulting LLC today.