Contamination Classification System
Level 1 - Clean/Food Grade
Typical Contents:
- • Water-based solutions
- • Food ingredients
- • Pharmaceutical products
- • Cosmetic ingredients
Processing Requirements:
- • Standard wash cycle
- • Visual inspection
- • Minimal safety precautions
- • Quick turnaround
Level 2 - Moderate Contamination
Typical Contents:
- • Oils and lubricants
- • Mild cleaning agents
- • Agricultural chemicals
- • Industrial adhesives
Processing Requirements:
- • Enhanced cleaning protocols
- • Degreasing treatment
- • Additional safety measures
- • Extended processing time
Level 3 - Heavy Contamination
Typical Contents:
- • Hazardous chemicals
- • Unknown substances
- • Paint and coatings
- • Toxic materials
Processing Requirements:
- • Specialized treatment
- • Full PPE required
- • Controlled environment
- • May require rejection
Assessment Procedures
Step 1: Visual Inspection
Begin with a thorough visual examination of the container exterior and interior.
- Check for residue color and consistency
- Look for crystalline deposits or staining
- Examine valve area for buildup
- Note any unusual odors
- Document with photographs
Step 2: Documentation Review
Check Available Records:
- • Previous content labels
- • Shipping documents
- • Safety data sheets
- • Customer declarations
Red Flags:
- • Missing or damaged labels
- • Conflicting information
- • Hazard symbols present
- • Unknown source
Step 3: Testing Procedures
| Test Type | Purpose | When Required |
|---|---|---|
| pH Test | Identify acidic/basic residues | Level 2 & 3 |
| Solvent Test | Determine cleaning method | Level 2 & 3 |
| Chemical Analysis | Identify unknown substances | Level 3 only |
Processing Decision Matrix
| Contamination Level | Cleaning Method | Safety Requirements | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Water + mild detergent | Basic PPE | 2-4 hours |
| Level 2 | Alkaline + degreasing | Enhanced PPE | 4-8 hours |
| Level 3 | Specialized treatment | Full protection | 8+ hours |
Common Contaminants by Industry
Chemical Industry
- Acids and bases
- Organic solvents
- Catalysts and resins
Food & Beverage
- Oils and fats
- Sugar solutions
- Flavorings and additives
Pharmaceutical
- Active ingredients
- Excipients
- Cleaning validations
Agriculture
- Pesticides
- Fertilizers
- Growth regulators
Professional Assessment Services
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