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WHS Management for Dairy Processing

Ammonia refrigeration, caustic CIP chemicals, and confined space vessel entry require structured WHS controls.

Dairy processing facilities handle raw milk through pasteurisation, separation, cheese making, yoghurt production, and powder drying operations. The primary WHS hazards include ammonia refrigeration systems with acute leak potential, caustic and acid cleaning chemicals used in clean-in-place systems, confined space entry into processing vessels and silos, and burns from hot milk, steam, and pasteurisation equipment. Milk powder production facilities face additional combustible dust risks from fine milk powder that can accumulate to explosive concentrations in spray dryers and packaging areas. Manual handling of heavy cheese blocks and milk containers adds musculoskeletal injury risk across the workforce.

Key Hazards

Ammonia refrigeration leak causing acute toxic exposureCaustic and acid burns from CIP cleaning chemicalsConfined space hazards in processing vessels and storage tanksBurns from hot milk, steam, and pasteurisation equipmentCombustible milk powder dust in spray dryer areasSlip and fall injuries on wet dairy processing floors

Regulatory Requirements

HRCW Categories

Confined space entry, work near hazardous atmospheres (ammonia), plant operation

Section 26A Codes (binding 1 July 2026)
Confined SpacesHazardous ChemicalsPlantManual TasksFalls

SWMS Required

Related Sectors

Need Help with Dairy Processing WHS?

Our team can help you set up compliant WHS documentation, ammonia emergency plans, and CIP chemical safety programs for your dairy processing operations.

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