Highly Hazardous Chemicals Used in the Renewable Energy Industry
Various chemicals are essential for the operations of renewable energy facilities. Some of these chemicals can cause dangerous incidents, so handling them requires extra care. Here are some examples of these substances:
Lithium
Lithium A soft and grayish-white metal, lithium is primarily used to create batteries for solar panels, wind turbines, and other renewable energy generators. When mishandled, this combustible solid can inadvertently ignite and emit poisonous gasses.
Hydrofluoric Acid
Also known as hydrogen fluoride, hydrofluoric acid is a major component in manufacturing solar cells. It is a corrosive substance that can cause skin, eye, and nose irritation, fluid buildup in the lungs, and even death.
Rare Earth Elements
Rare earth elements (REE), like yttrium, neodymium, and scandium, are essential in creating magnets, light-emitting particles, and other components of renewable energy generators. Processing them can produce radioactive substances, which can cause nausea, vomiting, and radiation sickness.
Importance of Chemical Process Safety in the Renewable Energy Industry
Since various highly hazardous chemicals are used in the renewable energy sector, it is necessary for companies to seek professional assistance from process safety experts. Here are some benefits of doing so:
Regulatory Compliance
Federal and state agencies have issued certain regulations regarding the proper handling and storage of highly hazardous chemicals. Safety consultants can help you determine if your processes adhere to industry standards and are safe for employees.
Employee Safety
Employee safety should be a primary priority of any company that handles potentially toxic and flammable substances. By conducting risk assessments with the help of process safety consultants, you can address possible threats in your plant and avoid chemical-related disasters.
Environmental Protection
Improper use and storage of chemicals can lead to accidental releases. When this happens, it can lead to employee injuries and environmental damage. One way to prevent such scenarios is by ensuring your processes follow the protocols set by authorities.
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
Saltegra Consulting LLC can help you prevent chemical-related incidents in your renewable energy facility. Contact our team today to learn more about our services.