DENIOS INC
1152 Industrial Blvd.1
Louisville
KY 40219

Tel.: +1 502 9337272
Email: info1@denios-us.com
Internet: www.denios-us.com

Safety in the Cannabis Industry

As more states around the country legalize cannabis recreationally and medicinally, cannabis-related facilities must consider how to be safe and legally compliant. Different types of cannabis facilities will require different safety measures.

These hazards include egress, carbon dioxide enrichment, and cannabis extraction processes. Extraction processes vary, but can include the use of explosive materials.

Safety Concerns in Processing Facilities

Hazardous materials are used during the extraction process of cannabis. An NFPA brochure on cannabis safety breaks down the most common safety issues related to cannabis extraction, "During the extraction process, chemicals are removed from the plant for use in other cannabis based products."

Carbon dioxide is commonly injected to rooms with cannabis plants. These chemicals must be safely dispensed. According to the NPFA, "The extraction process is commonly completed by using a solvent, such as LP-gas or carbon dioxide, to strip the oils holding these chemicals from plant clippings."

Some common issues with extraction rooms, as defined by the NFPA, are listed below:

Hazardous Material Safety Issues Topics to Consider
LP-Gas Extraction - Bulk handling and mixing of gases - Off-gassing from products can be hazardous - Improperly designed, installed or maintained equipment can create explosions Marijuana growing, processing, or extraction facilities: Liquified petroleum gases and liquified natural gases
CO2 Extraction Failures or leaks of CO2 systems can pose health and safety risks to employees and first responders Marijuana growing, processing, or extraction facilities, compressed gases and cryogenic fluids
Extraction Equipment Inconsistent or incomplete peer review for approved, non-listed extraction equipment Marijuana growing, processing or extraction facilities

Learn more about other cannabis-related facility safety concerns here.

HazMat Buildings for Cannabis Facilities

DENIOS has experience providing hazardous material storage buildings to cannabis facilities. The structures protect workers and the environment from the processes used during these processes. Chapter 38 of the NFPA fire code was created to, “address the unique hazards of facilities where the growing and processing of marijuana occurs.”

Depending on the use of the facility, different occupancy codes will apply. For example, a grow facility will fall under 6.1.13.1 as “an occupancy primarily for the storage or sheltering of goods, merchandise, products, or vehicles.”

According to the NFPA, where the plants are being processed, the facility may require a classification of an industrial occupancy, defined in 6.1.12.1. “An occupancy in which products are manufactured or in which processing, assembling, mixing, packaging, finishing, decorating, or repair operations are conducted.” Extraction process facilities also fall under this classification.

Cannabis Worker Safety

Workers in the cannabis industry can face additional hazards while on the job. According to the “Guide to Worker Safety and Health in the Marijuana Industry” these include exposure to biological hazards, chemical hazards and physical hazards. Using the correct PPE can help protect workers.

Biological Hazards

“Biological hazards can arise from directly working with plants,” the Guide to Worker Safety and Health in the Marijuana industry says. These biological hazards can include mold, allergens and sensitizers.

Chemical Hazards

Carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, pesticides and disinfectants are a few of the chemical hazards cannabis workers can be exposed to. Carbon dioxide is commonly used throughout the industry to increase plant growth. “In addition to liquid gas form, solid carbon dioxide or dry ice can be used for extraction processes.” When working with dry ice, the proper gloves and safety glasses should be worn

Physical Hazards

"Physical hazards include hazards that might exist within the workplace that can cause physical harm or injury." In cannabis facilities, these can include powered industrial trucks, flammable and combustible gases, compressed gases and heights. "Flammable and combustible liquids are present in almost every workplace, including the marijuana industry," according to the Guide to Worker Safety. Correct PPE and storage solutions should be used for flammable and combustible materials.

We are happy to advise you!

Tailor-made advice, service fulfillment. Our advisors walk the additional mile. Take advantage of our phone, mail or on-premise service offers.

Expert advice 1-877-388-0187
FAQ

Act Correctly in the event of an Oil Spill

In the event of an oil leak or a major oil accident, quick action is required - because there is a risk of damage to the environment and the risk of accidents for employees. In our FAQ "What to do in the event of an oil spill" we give you answers on what you can and must do so that you are well prepared and an oil leak does not turn into an oil disaster.

Read more
Article

Laboratory supplies: Working safely in the laboratory

Laboratories work with a wide variety of hazardous substances in many different ways. Having the right combination of safety measures can effectively reduce hazards. DENIOS offers you an extensive product range for laboratory safety that gives you the highest levels of safety and protection.

Read more
Article

Temporary Leak Protection

Using newly patented technology, RuptureSealTM can safely close breaches, minimize damage, help protect the environment, preserve health and safety, potentially save thousands of dollars through spill remediation, and save lives.

Read more
FAQ

Risk assessment involving hazardous substances

Anyone who handles, uses or "only" stores hazardous substances cannot avoid it: the risk assessment. For 25 years it has been the central element in occupational health and safety. In our FAQs we have put together the answers to the most frequently asked questions on the subject of "Risk assessment for hazardous substances".

Read more
Load more items 4 of 7 articles were loaded
Menu
Log in
Your basketAdded to basket
Go to basket
We would be pleased to provide you with advice!

Give us a call or fill out the form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Mon - Thu: 08:30 - 17:00 | Fri: 08:30 - 17:00