Winery Equipment Operation and Chemical Handling

Document Number: [SWP-NUMBER]

Revision Date: [DATE]

Next Review Date: [NEXT REVIEW DATE]

Department: [DEPARTMENT NAME]

1. Scope

This Safe Work Procedure (SWP) outlines the safety procedures and risk assessments for operating equipment and handling chemicals in a winery environment. It includes requirements for personal protective equipment (PPE) and emergency response protocols.

2. Definitions

Chemical A substance produced by or used in a reaction involving changes to atoms or molecules. Equipment Machinery or tools used to perform specific tasks in the winemaking process. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Clothing and equipment worn to protect the worker from hazards.

3. Responsibilities

3.2 Workers

• Use good industrial hygiene practices and wear recommended personal protection. Launder contaminated clothing before reuse. Wash hands before eating, drinking, or smoking. [2]

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
Chemical Exposure [1]	Skin irritation, eye damage, respiratory issues	Use in well-ventilated areas. Wear impervious gloves and eye protection. Do not mix with other chemical products, except as indicated by the manufacturers. Do not get in eyes. Do not get on skin or clothing. Do not breathe vapors/mists/fumes. Do not take internally.
Airborne Contaminants [3]	Respiratory irritation, long-term health effects	Use process enclosures, local exhaust ventilation or other engineering controls to keep worker exposure to airborne contaminants below any recommended or statutory limits.
Flammable Materials [8] [9]	Fire, explosion	Keep away from open flames, hot surfaces and sources of ignition. Take precautionary measures against static discharges.
Skin Contact with Chemicals [10] [11]	Irritation, dermatitis, allergic reactions	Wear appropriate protective gloves and clothing to prevent skin exposure.
Eye Contact with Chemicals [3]	Eye irritation, burns, vision impairment	Safety eyewear complying with an approved standard should be used when a risk assessment indicates this is necessary to avoid exposure to liquid splashes, mists, gases or dusts.
Improper Chemical Storage [8]	Spills, leaks, contamination	Keep containers tightly closed in a dry, cool and well-ventilated place. Keep away from heat, sparks and flame.
Exposure to Hazardous Vapors [10]	Respiratory issues, poisoning	Use only under a chemical fume hood. Use explosion-proof electrical/ventilating/lighting equipment.

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

The appropriate PPE must be worn at all times when operating equipment or handling chemicals.

• Impervious Gloves: Chemical-resistant, impervious gloves complying with an approved standard should be worn at all times when handling chemical products if a risk assessment indicates this is necessary. [3]
• Safety Glasses with Side Shields: Safety eyewear complying with an approved standard should be used when a risk assessment indicates this is necessary to avoid exposure to liquid splashes, mists, gases or dusts. [3]
• NIOSH Approved Respirator: A NIOSH approved respirator or filtering face piece, such as N95, is recommended in poorly ventilated areas or when permissible exposure limits may be exceeded. [4]
• Protective Clothing: Personal protective equipment for the body should be selected based on the task being performed and the risks involved and should be approved by a specialist before handling this product. [3]

6. Equipment and Tools

All equipment must be inspected before use to ensure it is in good working condition.

• Non-Sparking Tools: Use spark-proof tools and explosion-proof equipment. [6] [8]
• Ventilation System: Use ventilation adequate to keep exposures (airborne levels of dust, fume, vapor, etc.) below recommended exposure limits. [4]

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

1. Equipment Inspection: Inspect all equipment for damage or wear before use. Ensure all safety guards are in place and functioning correctly.
2. Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation in the work area. Use local exhaust ventilation or other engineering controls to minimize exposure to airborne contaminants.
3. Don PPE: Wear appropriate PPE, including safety glasses, gloves, and protective clothing. Ensure PPE is in good condition and fits properly.
4. Follow Procedures: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for operating equipment and handling chemicals. Do not deviate from approved procedures.
5. Use Correct Tools: Use appropriate tools and equipment for the task. Do not use damaged or defective tools.
6. Clean Up Spills: Clean up any spills or leaks immediately. Dispose of waste materials properly.
7. Store Chemicals Properly: Store chemicals in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area.
8. Wash Hands: Wash hands thoroughly after handling chemicals and before eating, drinking, or smoking.

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

• Wash hands, forearms and face thoroughly after handling chemical products, before eating, smoking and using the lavatory and at the end of the working period. - Ensure that eyewash stations and safety showers are close to the workstation location. [3]
• Keep out of the reach of children. Store locked up. Keep container tightly closed. Store at room temperature and keep containers closed when not in use. - Regularly inspect storage areas for any signs of leaks or spills. [2] [4]
• Avoid discharge into drains, water courses or onto the ground. - Ensure proper disposal of chemical waste in accordance with local, regional, national, territorial, provincial, and international regulations. [7]

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

Promptly isolate the scene by removing all persons from the vicinity of the incident if there is a fire. No action shall be taken involving any personal risk or without suitable training. [5]

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

• Eye contact: Rinse with water. Get medical attention if irritation develops and persists. [7]
• Ingestion: Rinse mouth. Get medical attention if symptoms occur. [7]

10.3 Emergency Contact Information

Contact medical personnel immediately in case of significant chemical exposure or physical injury.

Approved by: [NAME AND POSITION]

Date: [APPROVAL DATE]

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