Standard Operating Procedure for Handling and Disposal of Hazardous Chemicals
1) Purpose
This SOP outlines the safe handling, use, storage, and disposal procedures for hazardous chemicals used in manufacturing areas, ensuring compliance with GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) and environmental regulations.
2) Scope
This SOP applies to all personnel handling hazardous chemicals in production, quality control, or cleaning processes at [Company Name].
3) Responsibilities
- Operators: Ensure safe handling of hazardous chemicals and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Supervisors: Monitor the handling and disposal practices of hazardous chemicals and ensure personnel are trained in safety procedures.
- Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Team: Responsible for proper disposal of hazardous chemicals and ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
4) Procedure
4.1 Handling of Hazardous Chemicals
4.1.1 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Ensure all personnel handling hazardous chemicals wear the appropriate PPE, including gloves, goggles, face shields, and lab coats, as specified in the chemical’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS).
- Inspect PPE for any damage before use. Replace damaged PPE immediately.
4.1.2 Storage and Labeling
- Store hazardous chemicals in designated areas, in sealed, labeled containers as per SDS recommendations. Ensure labels include hazard symbols and handling instructions.
- Segregate incompatible chemicals to prevent accidental reactions (e.g., acids stored away from bases).
4.1.3 Safe Transfer of Chemicals
- Transfer chemicals using secondary containment to minimize spills and leaks. Avoid overfilling containers.
- In the event of a spill, use spill kits to contain and clean up the spill immediately. Notify supervisors and document the incident in the chemical handling log.
4.2 Disposal of Hazardous Chemicals
4.2.1 Waste Segregation
- Segregate chemical waste based on its classification (e.g., flammable, corrosive, toxic). Label waste containers clearly and ensure they are stored in a designated chemical waste area.
4.2.2 Disposal Procedure
- Coordinate with the EHS team to schedule the removal and disposal of hazardous waste. Ensure waste is handled by certified waste disposal companies in compliance with local and international regulations.
- Document all waste disposal activities, including the type of waste, quantity, and disposal method, in the hazardous chemical waste log.
4.3 Post-Operation Activities
4.3.1 Cleaning of Chemical Handling Areas
- After completing tasks involving hazardous chemicals, clean and disinfect the work area using approved cleaning solutions. Dispose of any contaminated materials properly.
- Document all cleaning activities in the cleaning log and submit for QA and EHS review.
4.3.2 Reporting and Documentation
- Record all chemical handling and disposal activities, incidents, and spills in the chemical handling log. Submit documentation to the EHS team for review.
- Supervisors must review the logs weekly to ensure compliance with safety protocols.
5) Abbreviations, if any
- PPE: Personal Protective Equipment
- SDS: Safety Data Sheet
- EHS: Environmental, Health, and Safety
6) Documents, if any
- Chemical Handling Log
- Chemical Waste Log
- Cleaning Log
7) References, if any
- Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for hazardous chemicals
- Internal SOP for chemical waste management
8) SOP Version
Version 1.0
Annexure
1. Chemical Handling Log Template
| Date | Chemical Name | Quantity (kg/L) | Operation Performed | Operator Initials | Supervisor Approval |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DD/MM/YYYY | Chemical Name | Quantity Handled | Description of Task | Operator Name | Supervisor Name |