Extraction Safety & Hazard SOP

Room Design & Construction

• Separate Room: Extraction must be in dedicated, isolated room
• Walls/Ceiling: Non-combustible materials (concrete, metal studs, Type X drywall)
• Flooring: Sealed concrete or epoxy-coated (no carpet, no wood)
• Doors: Self-closing, fire-rated doors (minimum 1-hour rating)
• Windows: Explosion-proof or no windows (recommended)
• Size: Minimum 200 sq ft typical (check local requirements)

Electrical Requirements (C1D1)

• Class 1 Division 1: All electrical equipment must be explosion-proof
• Lighting: Explosion-proof light fixtures
• Outlets: Explosion-proof receptacles and switches
• Conduit: Sealed conduit with explosion-proof fittings
• Grounding: Proper grounding of all equipment and metal surfaces
• Inspection: Licensed electrician must certify C1D1 compliance

Ventilation System

• Air Changes: Minimum 6 ACH (air changes per hour) for hydrocarbon extraction
• Fans: Explosion-proof exhaust fans (C1D1 rated)
• Intake: Fresh air intake from outside (not from other rooms)
• Exhaust: Exhaust to outside, minimum 10 feet from air intakes and openings
• Negative Pressure: Room should be under negative pressure (air flows in, not out)
• Monitoring: Airflow monitoring system with alarms

Gas Detection System (Required)

• Sensors: Minimum 2 gas sensors (one low, one high in room)
• Detection: Must detect butane, propane, or other solvents used
• Alarm Threshold: Set to 25% LEL (Lower Explosive Limit)
• Automatic Shutoff: System must shut off equipment and activate ventilation at alarm
• Audible/Visual Alarms: Inside and outside extraction room
• Testing: Test sensors monthly, calibrate quarterly
• Backup Power: System must have battery backup

Fire Suppression System (Required)

• FM-200: Clean agent system (recommended for extraction rooms)
• CO2: Carbon dioxide system (alternative)
• Sprinklers: Wet pipe sprinkler system (minimum requirement)
• Activation: Automatic activation via heat/smoke detection
• Manual Pull Station: Manual activation outside extraction room
• Inspection: Annual inspection by licensed fire protection company

Emergency Equipment

• Fire Extinguishers: Class B/C extinguishers (for flammable liquids/electrical)
• Eyewash Station: Within 10 seconds travel time (ANSI Z358.1)
• Safety Shower: Within 10 seconds travel time (for chemical exposure)
• First Aid Kit: Stocked with burn treatment, eye wash, bandages
• Emergency Shutoff: Clearly marked emergency shutoff button outside room
• Spill Kit: Absorbent materials for solvent spills

Closed-Loop Extraction System

• Certified Equipment: Use only UL/ETL certified extraction systems
• Closed-Loop: Solvent must be contained in sealed system (no open blasting)
• Pressure Relief: Pressure relief valves set to manufacturer specifications
• Solvent Recovery: System must recover and recycle solvent (95%+ recovery)
• Maintenance: Follow manufacturer maintenance schedule
• Inspection: Annual inspection by qualified technician

Solvent Storage Requirements

• Location: Store in approved flammable storage cabinet or outdoor storage
• Quantity Limits: Maximum 60 gallons in cabinet, 120 gallons in room (check fire code)
• Containers: Store in original manufacturer containers or approved safety cans
• Grounding: Ground all containers during transfer to prevent static discharge
• Separation: Keep away from ignition sources, oxidizers, and incompatible materials
• Ventilation: Storage area must be well-ventilated
• Signage: "Flammable Liquid Storage" signs on cabinets and doors

Solvent Transfer Procedures

• Grounding: Bond and ground containers during transfer
• Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation during transfer
• No Smoking: No smoking, open flames, or spark-producing equipment within 50 feet
• Spill Prevention: Use drip pans and secondary containment
• PPE: Wear chemical-resistant gloves, safety glasses, and apron
• Two-Person: Two-person operation recommended for large transfers

Solvent Disposal

• Hazardous Waste: Spent solvents are hazardous waste (EPA regulations apply)
• Licensed Hauler: Use licensed hazardous waste disposal company
• Containers: Store waste in approved containers, properly labeled
• Manifests: Maintain hazardous waste manifests for 3 years
• Generator ID: Obtain EPA hazardous waste generator ID number
• Reporting: Submit annual hazardous waste reports (if required)

Required PPE for Extraction Operations

• Safety Glasses: ANSI Z87.1 rated, with side shields
• Face Shield: For solvent transfer and equipment maintenance
• Gloves: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene)
• Lab Coat/Apron: Chemical-resistant, long sleeves
• Closed-Toe Shoes: Non-slip, chemical-resistant (no sandals or canvas)
• Respirator: Organic vapor respirator (if ventilation inadequate)
• Cryogenic Gloves: For handling cold solvents (butane, CO2)

Extraction Safety Training (Required)

• Initial Training: 8+ hours before operating extraction equipment
• Topics: Explosion hazards, fire prevention, solvent handling, PPE, emergency response
• Hands-On: Supervised operation of extraction equipment
• Refresher: Annual refresher training
• Documentation: Maintain training records for 7 years
• Testing: Written test to verify understanding

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

• Develop written SOPs for all extraction processes
• Include step-by-step procedures, safety precautions, and emergency response
• Post SOPs in extraction room for easy reference
• Review and update SOPs annually
• Train all extraction staff on SOPs

Gas Leak Response

If gas detection alarm activates:

• Step 1: Evacuate extraction room immediately (do not investigate)
• Step 2: Activate emergency shutoff button (outside room)
• Step 3: Call 911 and report gas leak
• Step 4: Evacuate building if alarm persists or gas odor detected
• Step 5: Do not re-enter until fire department clears area
• Step 6: Investigate cause and repair before resuming operations

Fire Response

• Small Fire: Use Class B/C fire extinguisher (if safe to do so)
• Large Fire: Evacuate immediately, call 911, activate fire alarm
• Do Not: Use water on solvent fires (spreads fire)
• Evacuation: Follow facility evacuation plan, meet at designated assembly point
• Account: Account for all personnel at assembly point
• Do Not Re-Enter: Do not re-enter building until fire department clears

Chemical Exposure Response

• Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, flush with water for 15 minutes
• Eye Contact: Flush eyes with eyewash station for 15 minutes, seek medical attention
• Inhalation: Move to fresh air, call 911 if breathing difficulty
• Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting, call Poison Control (1-800-222-1222)
• Medical Attention: Seek medical attention for all exposures
• SDS: Provide Safety Data Sheet (SDS) to medical personnel

Spill Response

• Small Spill (<1 gallon): Use spill kit absorbent materials
• Large Spill (>1 gallon): Evacuate area, call 911, call hazmat team
• Ventilation: Increase ventilation to disperse vapors
• Ignition Sources: Eliminate all ignition sources in area
• Containment: Contain spill with absorbent booms or dikes
• Disposal: Dispose of contaminated materials as hazardous waste

Daily Safety Checks

• Test gas detection system (bump test)
• Verify ventilation system operating properly
• Check fire extinguishers are accessible and charged
• Inspect extraction equipment for leaks or damage
• Verify emergency shutoff button functional
• Document daily checks in safety log

Monthly Maintenance

• Test gas detection sensors with calibration gas
• Inspect and clean ventilation system filters
• Test fire suppression system (if applicable)
• Inspect extraction equipment per manufacturer schedule
• Review and update emergency contact list
• Conduct emergency drill with staff

Annual Inspections

• Fire Marshal: Annual fire safety inspection
• Electrical: C1D1 electrical system inspection by licensed electrician
• Fire Suppression: Inspection by licensed fire protection company
• Extraction Equipment: Inspection by manufacturer or qualified technician
• Gas Detection: Full calibration and certification
• Maintain all inspection records for 7 years

Regulatory Compliance

• State Cannabis Authority: Submit extraction facility plans for approval
• Fire Department: Obtain fire department approval before operations
• Building Department: Obtain building permits for facility modifications
• EPA: Comply with hazardous waste regulations
• OSHA: Comply with workplace safety regulations
• Maintain all permits and approvals on-site for inspection