Slippery surfaces Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA)

Hazard

Slippery surfaces, such as wet floors from yeast, beer, water, or chemical spills, are a major cause of injuries in craft breweries and distilleries. These hazards can result in serious injuries, such as back sprains and bone fractures.

Risk control

Minimize or reduce the risk of injury by following these guidelines:

• Minimize wet surfaces by controlling the humidity inside the brewhouse and repairing leaks as soon as they’re detected.
• Design or rearrange process equipment and drains so the floor isn’t part of the drainage system. Pipe discharges as close as possible to drains.
• Perform housekeeping inspections and deal with issues as soon as possible.
• Wear well-fitting, protective, non-slip footwear.
• Clean floors regularly.
• Clean up spills immediately.
• Post safety warning signage around spills or wet floors/surfaces.
• Use dams around areas where spills or leaks are common to prevent liquid from entering walkways.
• Use anti-slipping rubber mats in areas where the floors are constantly wet.
• Install textured flooring, if possible.

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Slippery surfaces Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment