Brewery Safety

Safety First

Brewing involves boiling liquids, heavy containers, pressurized gas, and caustic chemicals. Taking safety seriously protects you, your family, and your home.

Burns: The Most Common Hazard

Hot wort (200+ F), steam, and heated metal are present throughout brew day. Protect yourself:

• Use heat-resistant gloves when handling hot kettles, adding hops to a rolling boil, or moving a wort chiller
• Never carry a full kettle of hot wort — siphon or pump it
• Keep a clear path between the brewing area and cooling station
• Have cold running water nearby for treating burns immediately

Glass Carboy Safety

Glass carboys are the most dangerous piece of homebrewing equipment. A wet, full, 50-lb glass vessel is a catastrophic accident waiting to happen.

• Always use a carboy carrier or milk crate for transport — never carry by the neck
• Place carboys on surfaces where they will not need to be moved while full
• Consider switching to PET (Better Bottle) or stainless for safety
• If you use glass, keep a clear work area and wear closed-toe shoes

Propane Safety

• Never use propane burners indoors — carbon monoxide is lethal
• Check all connections for leaks (soapy water test) before igniting
• Keep a fire extinguisher within reach
• Turn off the gas at the tank when not in use
• Store propane tanks outdoors in a well-ventilated area

Chemical Safety

• PBW and OxiClean are alkaline — avoid contact with eyes and prolonged skin contact
• Star San is acidic — wear gloves for extended handling
• Never mix cleaning chemicals — unexpected reactions can produce toxic fumes
• Store chemicals in their original containers, clearly labeled, out of children's reach

Pressure Safety

• CO2 tanks should be secured upright (chain to a wall or place in a keezer)
• Never exceed the rated pressure of any vessel — kegs, fermenters, or regulators
• Pressure relief valves must be functional on all pressurized equipment
• Inspect kegs for damage before pressurizing

Ergonomics

• Lift with your legs, not your back (grain sacks, full fermenters, kegs)
• Build your brewery at a comfortable working height to minimize stooping
• Take breaks during the 5-7 hour all-grain brew day

First Aid

Keep a basic first aid kit in your brewing area: bandages, burn gel, eye wash, and a cold pack. Know where the nearest emergency room is. An ounce of prevention is worth a gallon of cure.