3 replies to this topic

[Tarvos88]

Handwashing station is in the same room as our chemical storage. Is this acceptable?

Chemical access is controlled by just me and they are in a ventilated storage.
Process is low risk ingredient high risk - if that matters.

[Marloes]

I would say there are (at least) two possible issues:

1. Chemical spill: are chemicals well maintained and is there no risk of contaminating anything?
   Please note that hand washing stations also have a lot of traffic, which may cause more issues than other storage locations (e.g. bumping into containers which may lead to spills). Some chemicals can also be dangerous when spilled and/or mixed.
2. Food defense: from a food defense point of view you do not want chemicals to be easily accessible. Your personal will acces the hand washing stations, making it easy to get a hold of chemicals for all kinds of malevolent use. While if chemicals are in a seperate locations with limited acces this risk is lowered. Some food safety standards also require of you to have chemicals in a seperate locked area

Check those two points for your own company. If there is no increased risk or other possibility for storage I would at least advice closed of storage bins (with locks).

[olenazh]

After risk assessment as Marloes advised, and if you don't have any other choice - why not? One of my facilities doesn't have much space and store chemicals in an open area with all precautions, training, etc. CFIA had no objections so far...

[Tarvos88]

Thank you both! The chemicals are in a chemical storage that is locked. There is a security camera in that room as well.
They are considered hazardous chemicals, something we only use once a year.