Cleaning brewery equipment: Understanding chemical hazards

Breweries are full of pipes and tubes moving materials throughout the facility. When it’s time to clean them, harsh chemicals like acids and caustics are often used. These chemicals are dangerous, especially at high concentrations, so safety is key. Below are some general safety guidelines, but always refer to your chemical supplier and safety data sheets for specific guidelines.

General hazards

• Corrosive chemicals can burn skin, eyes, and the respiratory system; use proper protective gear and handle with care
• Hose ruptures can lead to burns—regularly inspect hoses for signs of degradation and damage
• Safer alternatives: Whenever possible, consider using less hazardous chemicals or safer methods for transferring them

Safety measures

• Emergency stations: Ensure eye wash stations and showers are available in high-risk areas and tested regularly—these stations are crucial for quick decontamination
• Chemical handling training: Ensure that only trained employees handle hazardous chemicals, and provide regular training on safe handling procedures, storage, and emergency response for those working with these materials
• Personal protective equipment (PPE): Provide and use gloves, goggles, and helmets for workers handling brewery equipment
• Signage: Use clear signs at operational points to indicate safety procedures, hazards, and emergency exits
• In-house response teams: Train staff in first aid, emergency communication, and procedures for handling confined spaces, such as vats, where oxygen levels may be low; Ensure employees know not to enter these spaces without proper safety equipment and protocols in place, and call 911 when needed

Caustic and acid washes

Breweries often use phosphoric, citric, and nitric acids or sodium hydroxide (caustic) for cleaning pipes. These chemicals are highly effective at cleaning inorganic materials but can be dangerous, especially when used at higher concentrations (typically received at up to 50%).

• Hazards: These chemicals are highly corrosive to skin and eyes and can cause severe burns or even blindness
• Caustic reactions: Caustics feel slippery when they come into contact with skin because they hydrolyze proteins—essentially turning skin into soap; prolonged exposure can be extremely harmful
• Chemical reactions: Caustics react with aluminum, releasing hydrogen gas, which is highly flammable
• Nitric acid risks: Nitric acid is a strong oxidizer, and at temperatures above 140°F, it starts to off-gas, which poses additional risks in enclosed spaces

Always read labels carefully and follow your supplier's instructions for safe handling and usage.