SOP Guide for Pharma

SOP for Fire Safety Precautions in Raw Material Storage Areas – V 2.0

SOP for Fire Safety Precautions in Raw Material Storage Areas – V 2.0

Standard Operating Procedure for Fire Safety Precautions in Raw Material Storage Areas

Department Warehouse / Safety and Compliance
SOP No. SOP/RM/118/2025
Supersedes SOP/RM/118/2022
Page No. Page 1 of 15
Issue Date 18/02/2025
Effective Date 22/02/2025
Review Date 18/02/2026

1. Purpose

This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) outlines fire safety precautions to be followed in raw material storage areas to prevent fire hazards, ensure personnel safety, and protect stored materials.

2. Scope

This SOP applies to all storage areas within the warehouse, particularly zones containing flammable, combustible, or reactive raw materials.

3. Responsibilities

  • Warehouse Personnel: Follow fire safety protocols, conduct daily checks, and report any potential fire hazards.
  • Safety Officer: Conduct regular fire safety drills and ensure compliance with fire safety standards.
  • Warehouse Manager: Oversee fire safety equipment maintenance and ensure staff are trained in fire response procedures.

4. Accountability

The Warehouse Manager and Safety Officer are accountable for maintaining fire safety protocols and ensuring all personnel are trained in fire emergency procedures.

5. Procedure

5.1 Fire Risk Assessment and Classification

  1. Identification of Fire Hazards:
    • Identify flammable, combustible, and reactive raw materials using Material
Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).
  • Classify storage zones based on fire risk levels (high, medium, low).
  • Document risk assessments in the Fire Risk Assessment Log (Annexure-1).
  • Segregation of High-Risk Materials:
    • Store flammable and reactive materials in designated, well-ventilated areas away from ignition sources.
    • Ensure incompatible chemicals are stored separately to prevent reactive hazards.
  • 5.2 Fire Safety Equipment and Maintenance

    1. Fire Extinguishers:
      • Install appropriate fire extinguishers (Class A, B, C) at easily accessible locations.
      • Inspect extinguishers monthly for pressure, damage, and expiration dates.
      • Document inspections in the Fire Extinguisher Inspection Log (Annexure-2).
    2. Sprinkler Systems and Fire Alarms:
      • Ensure sprinkler systems are functional and tested quarterly.
      • Install fire alarms with audible and visual indicators, tested monthly.
      • Document system tests in the Fire System Maintenance Log (Annexure-3).

    5.3 Fire Prevention Measures

    1. Electrical Safety:
      • Ensure all electrical installations are up to code and inspected regularly.
      • Prohibit the use of extension cords and overloaded circuits in storage areas.
      • Document inspections in the Electrical Safety Log (Annexure-4).
    2. Storage Practices:
      • Maintain clear aisles and ensure materials are stored at safe distances from lights, heaters, and electrical outlets.
      • Label flammable materials clearly and store them in explosion-proof cabinets.

    5.4 Fire Emergency Response Procedures

    1. Fire Alarm Activation:
      • In case of fire detection, immediately activate the nearest fire alarm and alert others in the vicinity.
      • Evacuate the area following designated fire escape routes.
    2. Fire Extinguishing Procedures:
      • Use appropriate fire extinguishers only if trained and the fire is manageable.
      • Do not attempt to extinguish large or spreading fires; evacuate and call emergency services.
      • Document incidents in the Fire Incident Log (Annexure-5).

    5.5 Fire Drills and Training

    1. Employee Training:
      • Conduct fire safety training for all warehouse personnel annually.
      • Include the use of fire extinguishers, emergency evacuation procedures, and first-aid protocols.
      • Document training sessions in the Fire Safety Training Log (Annexure-6).
    2. Fire Drills:
      • Conduct fire drills quarterly to ensure all employees are familiar with evacuation routes and fire response protocols.
      • Document fire drills in the Fire Drill Log (Annexure-7).

    5.6 Handling Fire Safety Deviations

    1. Deviation Detection:
      • Identify deviations such as blocked fire exits, malfunctioning alarms, or missing safety equipment during routine inspections.
      • Report deviations immediately to the Warehouse Manager and Safety Officer.
      • Document deviations in the Fire Safety Deviation Log (Annexure-8).
    2. Corrective Actions:
      • Implement corrective actions promptly, such as clearing obstructions, repairing equipment, or retraining personnel.
      • Document corrective measures in the Fire Safety Corrective Action Log (Annexure-9).

    6. Abbreviations

    • SOP: Standard Operating Procedure
    • MSDS: Material Safety Data Sheet
    • PPE: Personal Protective Equipment

    7. Documents

    1. Fire Risk Assessment Log (Annexure-1)
    2. Fire Extinguisher Inspection Log (Annexure-2)
    3. Fire System Maintenance Log (Annexure-3)
    4. Electrical Safety Log (Annexure-4)
    5. Fire Incident Log (Annexure-5)
    6. Fire Safety Training Log (Annexure-6)
    7. Fire Drill Log (Annexure-7)
    8. Fire Safety Deviation Log (Annexure-8)
    9. Fire Safety Corrective Action Log (Annexure-9)

    8. References

    • NFPA 30 – Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code
    • OSHA Fire Safety Regulations (29 CFR 1910.157)
    • WHO GMP Guidelines

    9. SOP Version

    Version: 2.0

    10. Approval Section

    Prepared By Checked By Approved By
    Signature
    Date
    Name
    Designation
    Department

    11. Annexures

    Annexure-1: Fire Risk Assessment Log

    Date Area Assessed Risk Level Assessed By
    18/02/2025 Flammable Storage Area High Ravi Kumar

    Annexure-2: Fire Extinguisher Inspection Log

    Date Extinguisher ID Inspection Status Inspected By
    18/02/2025 EXT-001 Operational Sunita Sharma

    Annexure-3: Fire System Maintenance Log

    Date System Type Maintenance Performed Performed By
    17/02/2025 Sprinkler System Quarterly Test Completed Anjali Mehta

    Annexure-4: Electrical Safety Log

    Date Area Inspected Findings Inspected By
    16/02/2025 Storage Room A No Issues Detected Ravi Kumar

    Annexure-5: Fire Incident Log

    Date Incident Description Response Action Reported By
    15/02/2025 Minor Smoke Detected in Flammable Storage Activated Fire Alarm, Area Evacuated Sunita Sharma

    Annexure-6: Fire Safety Training Log

    Date Training Type Conducted By Attendees
    10/02/2025 Fire Extinguisher Use Anjali Mehta All Warehouse Staff

    Annexure-7: Fire Drill Log

    Date Drill Type Outcome Conducted By
    01/02/2025 Evacuation Drill All Staff Evacuated in 4 Minutes Ravi Kumar

    Annexure-8: Fire Safety Deviation Log

    Date Deviation Detected Corrective Action Reported By
    05/02/2025 Fire Exit Blocked by Pallets Cleared Obstruction Immediately Sunita Sharma

    Annexure-9: Fire Safety Corrective Action Log

    Date Issue Corrective Action Taken Performed By
    03/02/2025 Faulty Fire Alarm Replaced Alarm System Anjali Mehta

    Revision History:

    Revision Date Revision No. Revision Details Reason for Revision Approved By
    01/01/2024 1.0 Initial Version New SOP QA Head
    18/02/2025 2.0 Updated Fire Safety Procedures Regulatory Compliance QA Head
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