Distil your risk with a dangerous goods audit

The Victorian Government are incentivising distilleries to invest in improving safety within the industry through a Hazardous Areas and Dangerous Goods Rebate.

In response to recent incidents at distillery sites caused by the manufacture, storage and handling of ethanol, the Government is offering a rebate through the Distillery Support program to assist distillery operators meet their safety obligations under the Occupational Health & Safety Act 2004 and the Dangerous Goods Act 1985.

Rebates of up to $50,000 are available to complete for example, a dangerous goods audit. In offering the rebates, Agriculture Victoria note

As the industry grows it is critical that distilleries are supported to understand how to ensure safety is being managed appropriately.

Ethanol is the primary material used in distilled spirits manufacturing and is a flammable Dangerous Good. There have been multiple accidents at distillery sites due to the manufacture, storage and handling of ethanol as part of operations. Dangerous Goods need to be handled in a safe manner to minimise the likelihood of an accident, causing damage to personnel, plant or the business.

Hazardous Areas are established when working with flammable liquids to reduce the likelihood of ignition sources in an area that may have an explosive atmosphere due to the presence of ethanol vapour. These areas are important to define what equipment and processes are suitable for use in these environments to reduce the risk of incident.

MicroRisk Group can assist you to understand your obligations under the dangerous goods and occupational health and safety legislation with a thorough Dangerous Goods Audit and ensure that your distillery is managing its risks. Contact us for a free quote.

You can read more about the Distillery Support – Hazardous Areas and Dangerous Goods Rebate and apply here.