Storage & Handling: Key Points

Physical Storage

  • Physical storage preserves products by maintaining the proper environment: temperature, humidity, and ventilation, to prevent damage or deterioration.

Chemical Storage

  • Chemical storage uses chemical methods or additives to preserve quality and prevent spoilage.

  • Includes treatments to prevent oxidation, spoilage, or pest infestations.

Biological Storage

  • Focuses on controlling biological factors that affect quality and safety.

  • Prevent growth of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi), pests, and other biological agents that cause spoilage or contamination.

Pre-storage Facility Readiness (Dry Products)

  • For all storage facilities for dry products:

    • Allow maintenance and cleaning activities as needed.

    • Keep storage facilities well-ventilated and dry.

    • Deter pest access and infestation.

    • Identify storage facilities properly.

    • Cover/protect products during storage, and especially during cleaning, to prevent contamination by micro-organisms, chemicals, foreign materials, and pests.

    • Avoid placing packaging material in direct contact with the floor.

    • Store bagged or packaged dry products (approximately 10−15 cm10-15\,\text{cm}) off the floor and away from surrounding walls to improve air circulation and maintain an even temperature.

Temperature & Humidity Control

  • Ensure temperature and humidity of storage/processing areas, coolers, and freezers are appropriate for the product being stored.

  • Crops: for most produce, storage temperature is 4∘C4^\circ\text{C}.

  • Some products require a specific storage temperature, ranging from −1∘C to 21∘C-1^\circ\text{C} \text{ to } 21^\circ\text{C}.

Temperature Control Systems

  • Must consider:

    • Intended shelf-life of the product

    • Type of packaging being used for the product

    • Appropriate maintenance schedule for ideal temperature control

  • Monitor temperature regularly where required.

First-In, First-Out (FIFO) Rotation

  • Use the FIFO principle to rotate products so the oldest are used first.

  • Use receiving documents to identify which products are to be used first.

High Moisture Storage for Crops

  • Proper grain storage is crucial to prevent spoilage from pests (weevils, borers) and fungal pathogens.

  • Some crops require a high-moisture environment; set moisture controls correctly (keep moisture within required levels).

  • Cleaning and sanitizing storage areas after use helps prevent bacterial buildup.

Storage of Manure/Compost, Fruit & Vegetable Culls

  • Locate storage and treatment sites away from livestock, poultry, fresh fruit/vegetable handling areas, and water sources.

  • Separate them from production and water locations with an appropriate physical barrier to minimize contamination from run-off or leachate.

Chemical Storage: Safe Management of Farm Chemicals

  • Safe management is essential due to risks to human health, safety, and the environment.

  • Laws control chemical use to ensure safe handling and minimize harm.

Labeling and Packaging of Chemicals

  • Chemicals must be in appropriately labeled packages that are suitable for their contents.

  • Labels provide crucial information based on the substance's risks, including:

    • Signal words (e.g., CAUTION, DANGER, POISON)

    • Dangerous Goods Diamond (immediate health/safety risk such as flammable liquids)

    • Risk and Safety Phrases (health effects and handling/disposal instructions)

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

  • MSDS must be provided by manufacturers or importers of hazardous substances.

  • MSDS offer information on contents, health risks, and safe handling.

  • Keep MSDS in an accessible register for employees and emergency personnel.

Storage and Transport of Chemicals

  • Safe storage protects from elements, limits access, prevents environmental contamination, and separates incompatible chemicals.

  • Spillage containment is essential.

  • Use a locked shed with a roof, concrete floor, and spill containment when appropriate.

  • Never store oxidizing agents with fuels.

  • For safe transport, small quantities (under 250 L250\,\text{L}) can be carried if properly secured to prevent spillage.

Disposal of Farm Chemicals

  • Empty containers and unwanted chemicals must be disposed of properly.

  • Wash containers three times; use the rinse water to dilute further batches.

  • It is more efficient to perform 3×2 L3\times 2\,\text{L} washes (three washes with two liters each) than a single large rinse.