A dramatic rise in locally produced spirits has seen the number of distilleries in South Australia grow tenfold in the past decade. There are now more than 120 distillers making gin, whiskey, vodka and rum in SA.

Distilleries produce and store highly flammable liquids, including ethanol, and create risks associated with explosive atmospheres, confined spaces, pressure vessels, electrical safety, chemicals, cylinder storage and pallet racking.

In 2021, an explosion at a Tasmanian distillery caused critical injuries to a worker and $2 million damage to the facility.

From May this year, SafeWork SA inspectors will inspect distilleries across the state to ensure compliance with the work health and safety laws and dangerous substances regulations.

Throughout the six-month campaign, compliance activities will focus on:

• Explosive atmospheres
• Pressure vessel use, testing and registration of plant
• Electrical safety
• Chemical and cylinder storage
• Pallet racking of stored goods
• Slips, trips and falls facing workers

If a work health and safety risk is identified during the audit and cannot be remedied while the inspector is on site, a statutory notice will be issued.

The inspectors will also provide advice, information and education in relation to compliance with the work health and safety laws.

A comprehensive suite of materials, including legislative requirements, industry standards and guides to managing work health and safety risks in distilleries is available at www.safework.sa.gov.au

Attribute quotes to SafeWork SA Executive Director Glenn Farrell:

“The dramatic rise in the number of distilleries in SA in recent years has prompted the six-month campaign.

“With any burgeoning industry, there is the possibility that work health and safety risks have not been identified or adequately addressed by the business operators.

“Distilleries are not only employing many more workers but are also opening their doors to the public as a tourism and hospitality experience.

“Distilleries are inherently hazardous places as they store and use highly flammable liquids and present electrical safety risks as well as slip, trip and fall hazards.

“This audit will provide us with a good understanding of the level of compliance with workplace safety laws in the distilleries sector and will enable our education and advisory services to work with businesses where necessary.”