“Protecting People, Products, and the Planet”
🎯 Learning Objectives
By the end of this session, participants will:
- Understand the health and safety risks in hydrodistillation facilities.
- Learn safe handling practices for equipment, heat, and chemicals.
- Apply environmental safeguards and waste management protocols.
- Comply with Philippine laws and local DENR regulations.
- Foster a culture of safety and environmental responsibility.
🛡️ A. Workplace Safety Protocols
⚠️ Key Hazards Identified
| Hazard Type | Examples | Control Measures |
|---|---|---|
| Heat & Steam Burns | Boilers, condensers, open hot surfaces | Insulated gloves, labels, heat shields |
| Fire Risk | Wood-fired systems, flammable oils | Fire extinguishers, fire breaks, no smoking |
| Chemical Exposure | Cleaning agents, FeCl₃, acids | PPE, SDS awareness, spill kits |
| Electrical Hazards | Pumps, heaters, moisture-prone areas | Grounding, dry shoes, regular inspection |
| Slips & Falls | Wet floors, oil leaks | Anti-slip mats, prompt clean-up |
👷♂️ Use PPE: gloves, goggles, long sleeves, and closed-toe footwear.
🧯 B. Emergency Preparedness
- 🔥 Fire Plan: Clear evacuation routes, fire extinguishers (CO₂ + foam), emergency contact list.
- 💧 Burn Treatment: Immediate cool water rinse, clean gauze wrap.
- ⚡ Shock Response: Shut off power, do not touch victim directly—use non-conductive item.
- 🧪 Chemical Exposure: Rinse affected area 15+ mins; seek medical help if irritation persists.
📋 Train all staff in emergency procedures every 6 months.
♻️ C. Environmental Responsibility
🌱 Sustainable Waste Management
| Waste Type | Source | Proper Disposal |
|---|---|---|
| Spent Wood Chips | Post-distillation biomass | Compost, biochar production, or mulch use |
| Wastewater (distillate) | Cooling & oil separation | Filtration, reuse in secondary applications |
| Chemical Containers | FeCl₃, acids, solvents | Rinse + return to suppliers or hazardous waste service |
| Used Filters/Wipes | Cleaning materials | Bagged and incinerated or safely landfilled |
💧 Minimize water use and avoid discharging directly into rivers or drains.
📜 D. Legal Compliance (Philippines)
| Requirement | Agency / Legal Basis | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) | DENR-EMB (PD 1586) | Required for facilities >1 ton/day capacity |
| Chemical Handling & Transport Permits | PNP / DENR / FDA | For regulated materials like FeCl₃ |
| Occupational Health & Safety (OSH) | DOLE Department Order 198-18 | Mandatory safety officer and first aider |
| Solid Waste Management Plan | RA 9003 | Segregation, recycling, reporting |
| Fire Safety Inspection Certificate | BFP | Annual renewal required |
🗂️ Maintain all permits on-site and post safety signage visibly.
🧪 E. Hygiene and Contamination Prevention
- Clean all equipment with food-grade cleaning agents.
- Use stainless steel or borosilicate glass containers only.
- Ensure oil is not contaminated by ash, dirty water, or plastic components.
- All staff should wash hands before handling oil or equipment.
📘 F. Facility Design Recommendations
- Separate zones for:
- Wood chip storage
- Distillation operations
- Oil bottling and QC
- Waste handling
- Ventilation: Ensure steam and fumes are extracted safely.
- Drainage: Direct water runoff to proper treatment or collection areas.
👨🏫 G. Training & Monitoring
- Conduct regular toolbox talks on specific hazards.
- Use a Safety Logbook for daily inspections.
- Assign a Safety Officer and Environmental Officer for accountability.
✅ H. Safety Checklist Before Distillation Begins
- 🔲 All PPE issued and worn?
- 🔲 Water source secure and adequate?
- 🔲 Fire extinguisher accessible?
- 🔲 First aid kit stocked and visible?
- 🔲 Floor and work surfaces clean and dry?
- 🔲 Tools and equipment checked?
- 🔲 Emergency exits clear?
📢 End-of-Module Activity: Safety Simulation Drill
- Simulate an emergency scenario (e.g., oil spill or fire alert).
- Assess team response time and procedure accuracy.
- Reflect and improve SOPs.
Would you like me to:
- Prepare a printable safety manual or field poster version?
- Create a DENR-EMB ECC application guide for your facility?
Let me know if you want to proceed with Module 10: Documentation, Reporting, and Traceability Systems or another topic.