Process safety
Policy Position
FDF recognises that many catastrophic incidents within industry result from a
lack of attention to process safety.
Major process safety incidents are low frequency events, but the consequences
can be catastrophic. 70% of all businesses which suffer a major loss never
reopen!
Many processes in the food industry have the potential for major incidents,
including fire, explosion and the release of toxic or flammable gas.
Background
A series of high profile events across industry, the most recent being BP Texas
City and Buncefield have shown that a lack of attention to process safety was a
major factor in the losses experienced.
The food industry has not been immune from these incidents, explosions
involving sugar processing, flour and ovens have occurred in recent years.
Process Safety is the area of safety related to the processes on a site. It
covers hazards including:
- flammable liquids such as solvents
- explosive and or combustible dusts such as flour, sugar and starches
- the use of flammable gases
- self-heating of products including wastes
- oxidising agents such as cleaning chemicals and Chlorine
- inert gases such as Nitrogen and CO
- toxic refrigerants such as Ammonia
- pressure systems such as boilers or pressurised gas storage
- spray drying processes.
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Last reviewed: 18 Dec 2012