Running a brewery isn’t just about crafting great beer. It’s also about keeping your team safe every step of the way. With hot liquids, pressurized tanks, heavy equipment, and slippery floors, breweries can pose real risks if safety isn’t prioritized. The good news? With the right precautions, you can create a safe, efficient, and thriving workspace.
Let’s explore essential safety tips every brewery should follow to protect employees, maintain quality, and ensure smooth operations.
1. Prioritize Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Safety starts with proper gear. Make PPE a non-negotiable part of your brewery culture.
Employees should wear:
- Safety glasses or face shields to prevent eye injuries
- Heat-resistant gloves for handling hot equipment
- Non-slip, waterproof shoes to avoid falls
- Hearing protection in loud production areas
Encourage staff to check and replace worn PPE regularly. When employees feel protected, they work with more confidence and fewer accidents occur.
2. Keep Floors Clean and Dry
Slips and falls are among the most common brewery injuries. Spilled beer, cleaning agents, and condensation can turn floors into hazards fast.
Create a routine cleaning schedule and invest in anti-slip mats near frequently wet areas. Encourage employees to report spills immediately, and respond to them just as quickly.
3. Train Employees on Equipment Safety
Brewery equipment like kettles, fermenters, and canning lines can be dangerous if handled incorrectly. Provide hands-on training for every new employee and schedule refresher sessions throughout the year.
Teach your team how to safely:
- Lock out and tag out (LOTO) machinery before maintenance
- Monitor pressure levels in tanks
- Handle CO₂ systems safely
- Avoid burns and scalds when working with hot liquids
A well-trained team is your strongest line of defense against injuries.
4. Monitor Air Quality and Ventilation
CO₂ is a natural part of the brewing process. But in enclosed spaces, it can be deadly. Make sure your brewery has proper ventilation and functioning CO₂ detectors.
Install alarms in fermentation rooms and storage areas, and test them frequently. Good airflow doesn’t just keep your team safe, it helps maintain the perfect brewing conditions for your product.
5. Label and Store Chemicals Safely
From sanitizers to cleaning solutions, chemicals are essential in brewing but must be handled responsibly.
Always:
- Label containers clearly
- Store them away from ingredients and production areas
- Provide easy access to Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
- Train staff on proper dilution and handling
Chemical mishandling can cause burns, respiratory issues, or contamination—so make safety a shared responsibility.
6. Conduct Regular Safety Audits
Don’t wait for an accident to review your safety practices. Schedule monthly safety inspections to identify potential hazards before they cause harm.
Check for:
- Frayed electrical cords
- Worn-out hoses or seals
- Inadequate signage
- Missing safety guards
These proactive checks help you catch small issues before they become costly or dangerous.
7. Foster a Culture of Safety
Safety works best when it’s part of your everyday routine, not an afterthought. Encourage employees to speak up about hazards without fear of criticism. Recognize team members who follow safety protocols and reward proactive behavior.
When everyone feels responsible for each other’s safety, accidents drop and morale rises.
Trust the Experts at Arthur Blake Insurance
At Arthur Blake Insurance, we’re here to help your brewery stay protected and grow with confidence. Our experienced team of agents at Arthur Blake Insurance are awaiting to assist you! If you would like to learn more, contact us today at 972-954-6383. Let us help you secure better coverage at a price you can afford!