Cascade Home Brew - Frequently Asked Questions

DANGER	CAUSE	HARM MINIMISATION STRATEGIES
EXPLODING BOTTLES CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE EYES, FACE AND BODY	Use of any glass bottles.	We do not recommend using glass bottles. It is safer to use plastic bottles. If home brewers choose glass bottles then they do so at their own risk. Reduce this risk by taking the precautions given in this table. If you do use glass bottles especially note that breweries nowadays use bottles that are designed for one use only; their walls are relatively thin and any damage may weaken them considerably. It is possible to purchase special purpose re-useable stronger glass bottles but age or damage as indicated below may give rise to dangers.
	Use of glass bottles that are chipped, cracked or old.	If you do use glass bottles inspect each bottle carefully prior to use and discard any having an imperfection - even this cannot guarantee safety.
	Storage of filled bottles at high temperatures will cause gas release from the beer and increase the risk of explosion.	Store filled bottles at comfortable room temperatures. Do not store filled bottles in outside sheds that heat up in hot weather.
	Bottling before primary fermentation is complete results in excessive gas formation in the bottle with the possibility of explosion.	Do not assume that absence of bubbles through the airlock means that fermentation is complete; you may have a leak. Rely only on hydrometer readings as in the instructions.
		Do not ferment for a fixed time only. Rely only on hydrometer readings as in the instructions.
		The final gravity suitable for bottling depends upon the type and amount of adjuncts (sugars and carbohydrates) used along with the can of hopped malt extract. There are numerous combinations and it is impossible to give advice on the final gravity produced in all circumstances. If you use other than 1 kg of sugar or dextrose in 23 L you should ask the adjunct manufacturer or a home brew shop for advice that will prevent you from bottling too early.
	Adding too much priming sugar to bottles results in excessive gas formation with the possibility of explosion.	Use 6 g of sugar for a 750 mL bottle and 3 g of sugar for a 375 mL bottle as per the instructions - beware of accidentally adding twice as much.
BREAKAGE OF GLASS ITEMS	Handling, dropping and breakage of items such as bottles, drinking glasses, thermometers and hydrometers presents a risk of severe cuts to the body and limbs.	Place these items well away from the edge of benches. Carefully sweep up the fragments of breakages and finally vacuum clean.
BREAKAGE OF THERMOMETERS CONTAINING MERCURY	Apart from the dangers associated with broken glass, breakage exposes skin and breathing to mercury and its vapour. Mercury is highly poisonous.	We do not recommend using mercury thermometers. If you do have a breakage use gloves to prevent contact of mercury with the skin and ensure that the area is well ventilated with fresh air to reduce the risk of inhaling mercury vapour when cleaning up. Suck up free mercury drops with an eyedropper and seal the dropper and all contents in a plastic bag before placing in the garbage bag. Remove from inside the house as soon as possible.
SCALDING WITH HOT LIQUIDS	Spilling of hot malt extract, hot or boiling water onto self, others or pets.	Ensure that you wear appropriate clothing and gloves and that others are not nearby. Do not leave heated materials near the edge of a bench.
CORROSION OF TISSUES FROM DETERGENTS & STERILANTS	Splashing of liquids or spreading of powders could cause corrosive contacts with the eyes and skin of humans and pets.	Ensure that you wear appropriate clothing, gloves and safety goggles and that others are not nearby.
SLIPPERY SURFACES CAUSED BY SPILLAGE OF DETERGENTS	Spillages onto floor surfaces could make them slippery and cause people to slip and fall.	Remove any spillages straight away. Wash away residues with copious amounts of water and dry the surface.
ALLERGIC REACTIONS TO DETERGENTS & STERILANTS	Exposure to fumes or direct contact with some of these materials may cause allergic reaction with some people, particularly with sterilants containing sulphur dioxide (such as sodium metabisulphite or potassium metabisulphite).	Be aware of the chemical properties of the agents that you or others around you are working with and if in doubt seek medical advice regarding any possible allergic sensitivity that you may have. Always minimise exposure to any chemicals.