Drinks Industry
The drinks industry encompasses the brewing of beers/lagers, distillation of potable spirits (e.g. whisky) and the manufacture of soft drinks and other beverages (e.g. tea, coffee). With the exception of distilling, these processes would appear to be relatively low risk. However, all the above manufacturing operations can give rise to fire and explosion hazards.
Brewing Industry
The production of beers and lagers entails the fermentation of grain (typically malted barley) which has been cleaned and milled to an appropriate particle size. This process involves the transportation, storage and handling of the grain. Grain dust is combustible and can give rise to dust explosion hazards.
Distilling Industry
Distillation of potable spirit also involves the storage, transfer and milling of grain with dust explosion hazards similar to those for Brewing. Potable spirit itself is a flammable liquid, which may contain ethyl alcohol in the range 60% - 96% by volume before reduction to bottling strength. Consequently, it too has the potential to give rise to serious fire and explosion hazards.
Soft Drinks Industry
Soft drink manufacture typically involves bulk handling of sugar which is a combustible material and can pose a dust explosion risk. Many of the concentrates and flavouring used in soft drinks are flammable liquids as they are alcohol based.
Beverages Industry
Many instant beverages are combustible powders and can give rise to dust explosion hazards. The manufacture of other instant beverages can involve the milling, mixing, storage and transport of combustible powders such as sugar, starch and other cereal based ingredients.
Please download our Drinks Industry leaflet for more information
Pratical and pragmatic advice - with safety in mind