For Sven Janssens, Site Manager at Caldic’s Heemsdaal in Belgium, safety is the foundation of his job. Walking through a newly designed installation, Sven explains that behind every section is a deep commitment to protecting the health and well-being of those who work at the site.
Solvents, essential in industrial processes, are known for their versatility but also for their risk. If mishandled, they can pose serious threats to both people and the environment. At Caldic, Sven makes it clear that managing these materials safely is not optional but integral to how things are done.
"We handle solvents with precision and strict safety protocols," Sven explains, gesturing to a newly implemented system he helped bring to life.
Together with Project Manager Hans Merckx, Sven spearheaded the design of a new bottom-loading installation for trucks. The upgrade marks a significant leap forward in reducing the risk of static discharge, limiting vapor formation, and preventing contamination during transfer.
"We looked at every point of vulnerability in the process and asked: how can we do this better? Bottom-loading was an obvious choice. It’s safer, cleaner, and more efficient," he says.
But the improvements didn’t stop there. The installation now includes a state-of-the-art fume extractor system, connected to an active carbon filter that captures harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This not only prevents toxic exposure but reaffirms Caldic’s goal of maintaining a clean, breathable work environment for everyone on-site.
"I always see so many opportunities to improve the site and the working environment of our employees. In this job, all the pieces of the puzzle come together for me: it’s where quality, operations, environment, and safety meet."
At Caldic, innovation is driven by our care for the well-being of the people who make the work possible. Sven Janssens leads with that principle in mind, ensuring that every improvement reflects a culture where safety is not just a priority, but a promise.