Launceston Distillery: Controlling Flammable Spirit Spill Risk

As a multi award-winning distillery located within an historic local landmark, Launceston Distillery is well-known for its superb hand-crafted single malt whisky and unique cellar door experience. So, it was only natural that they contacted another local Tasmanian business when looking for the best way to control flammable liquid spill risk during the distilling process.

Grain to Bottle

 Launceston Distillery is a respected Tasmanian whisky distillery boasting a delectable portfolio of premium hand-made products.

With the first batches distilled in October 2015, Launceston Distillery is only the second operating distillery in Launceston — and the first to open in 175 years!

“The whisky is produced in small batches using traditional techniques, locally made copper pot stills, the finest Tasmanian malted barley and pure South Esk river water,” explains Director, Chris Condon. “This makes for an elegant style of whisky that is enjoyable to drink."

However, as with any distillery or beverage maker comes the need for flammable ingredients to allow for the distilling process required to make whisky.

And with that comes an immediate need to understand and control the likelihood of ignition, so that whisky making is a safe process and one that’s controlling fire risk.

Landmark Building Calls for Portable Spill Solutions

 Launceston Distillery is located at Launceston Airport’s historic Hangar 17.

Built in 1932, Hangar 17 is the oldest surviving aviation building in Tasmania, but today it provides the perfect home for a boutique distillery.

Being located in a historical site means that permanent fixtures are not possible for Launceston Distillery.

As Launceston Distillery is situated in a heritage-listed building, its operations must respect and maintain the hangar's history and integrity. Therefore, the production equipment and utilities are essentially portable, capable of being removed at any time to return the hangar to its original state and preserve its history.

Reducing Flammable Spill Risk

As Launceston Distillery produces spirits and whisky with an alcohol strength of up to 63% ABV, they use large quantities of flammable liquids in their operations.

Throughout the various stages of the distilling process, flammable spirits are stored in stainless steel vats. However, due to their volatile nature and high concentrate of flammable vapours, these vats required secondary spill containment to minimise any fire risk in the event of a spill.

Considering effective spill containment for flammable spirits is essential for distilleries.

Distilleries and other alcoholic beverage makers are particularly vulnerable to the ignition of flammable liquids, as static electricity — from clothing, electricity or even the transfer of liquids — can easily ignite vapours.

Flammable vapours are often undetected, and they can travel distances quickly. This means that fire or flashback can occur, which leaves staff, product, place and the environment at risk when a fire does break out.

To control the possibility of ignition during beverage making processes, it’s important to handle and store flammable liquids correctly. It also means that spill containment must be provided, to mimimise the likelihood and impact of flammable spirits creating a fire risk through an accidental release.

Chris Condon reached out to Braden Urquhart of Storemasta to understand the best way to protect Launceston Distillery from spill risk.

“We initially submitted a request for a quote after browsing the Storemasta website to gather information,” explains Chris. “Braden, one of the Consultants, then contacted us to discuss our needs and help tailor the right solution.”

Australian-made Steel Bunding for Distilleries

Storemasta steel spill bunds provide the necessary secondary containment in this situation, allowing staff to work with these flammable spirits without risking a spill and the release of flammable vapours into the wider workplace.

 “When you’re working with flammable liquids – and in this case, flammable spirits – the need for liquid-tight spill containment is a must,” explains Braden Urquhart, Dangerous Goods Storage Consultant. “We recommend having steel bunds to capture any leaks or spills, as this material is compatible with the substance and is non-combustible.”

Chris Condon from Launceston Distillery with his spill containment from Storemasta.

Storemasta’s steel bunding is also completely portable — so the distillery can continue to respect the history hangar in which they operate, easily repositioning the bunds without any alterations to the building.

The robust design of the bunds allows for the vats to be lifted on and off them with a forklift effortlessly.

In addition to improving processes within the distillery, the lines of communication were also kept open between Braden and Chris throughout the entire process.

“Whilst the bunds were being manufactured, Storemasta kept us well informed about completion dates and delivery times,” says Chris. “I was very happy with the service provided.”

Dangerous Goods Solutions for Distilleries

 Like Launceston Distillery, we share a passion for process – helping businesses minimise risk and increase efficiencies with the right types of dangerous goods storage and handling equipment.

Reducing risk for distilleries and beverage manufacturers, Storemasta provides a wide range of solutions from storage to spill bunding.

You can visit Launceston Whisky Distillery at Hangar 17. You’ll find them at 287 Evandale Road, Western Junction – just south of the Launceston Airport terminal, along Evandale Road.

If you’d like to sample their handcrafted whisky, the distillery offers guided tastings — or tours and a tasting. Launceston Distillery is open 10am to 4pm Monday to Saturday for tours, with Sunday tours available by appointment only.

Can’t make it to Launceston? Then shop the range online at any time and enjoy their award-winning whiskies.

Need some advice on Flammable Liquids Storage?

 Get in touch with Storemasta’s Dangerous Goods Consultants, who specialise in storage, handling and spill containment solutions for a broad range of industries including distilleries, wineries, beverage production, food manufacturing and hospitality.

Whether you’re using flammable liquids or any other class of dangerous goods, we can reduce risk in your workplace through our complete solutions. Connect with us today for a free 30-minute consultation.