Standard Operating Procedure for Handling Raw Materials with Specific Toxicity or Carcinogenicity Risks
Department | Warehouse / Quality Assurance / Safety Department |
---|---|
SOP No. | SOP/RM/140/2025 |
Supersedes | SOP/RM/140/2022 |
Page No. | Page 1 of 15 |
Issue Date | 09/03/2025 |
Effective Date | 16/03/2025 |
Review Date | 09/03/2026 |
1. Purpose
This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) outlines safe handling, storage, and documentation procedures for raw materials with specific toxicity or carcinogenicity risks to ensure the safety of personnel and compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and regulatory guidelines.
2. Scope
This SOP applies to all raw materials classified as toxic or carcinogenic, including but not limited to solvents, active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), and intermediates stored and handled within the warehouse facility.
3. Responsibilities
- Warehouse Personnel: Handle toxic materials following safety protocols and use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Safety Officer: Ensure safety guidelines are followed, provide training, and monitor compliance.
- Warehouse Manager: Supervise handling procedures and ensure all safety measures are in place.
- Quality Assurance (QA): Review safety documentation and ensure compliance with GMP and safety regulations.
4. Accountability
The Warehouse Manager and Safety Officer are accountable for ensuring that toxic and carcinogenic materials are handled safely
and in compliance with all regulatory requirements. The QA Manager is responsible for reviewing documentation and ensuring compliance with GMP standards.
5. Procedure
5.1 Identification and Classification
- Material Identification:
- Identify all toxic and carcinogenic raw materials using the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provided by the supplier.
- Label materials clearly with hazard symbols and risk phrases according to GHS (Globally Harmonized System) standards.
- Document material classification in the Toxic Material Identification Log (Annexure-1).
5.2 Handling Procedures
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- All personnel must wear appropriate PPE, including gloves, respirators, face shields, and chemical-resistant clothing when handling toxic materials.
- Ensure PPE is checked for damage before each use and replaced as necessary.
- Record PPE issuance in the PPE Issuance Log (Annexure-2).
- Safe Handling Practices:
- Handle materials in designated, well-ventilated areas or under fume hoods.
- Avoid spills and ensure that containers are sealed tightly when not in use.
- Document handling activities in the Toxic Material Handling Log (Annexure-3).
5.3 Storage Requirements
- Designated Storage Areas:
- Store toxic and carcinogenic materials in dedicated, clearly marked areas with restricted access.
- Ensure that storage areas are equipped with proper ventilation and are compliant with regulatory standards.
- Document storage conditions in the Toxic Material Storage Log (Annexure-4).
5.4 Spill and Exposure Management
- Emergency Procedures for Spills:
- In the event of a spill, evacuate the area and follow the emergency response protocol as outlined in the Safety Data Sheet (SDS).
- Use spill containment kits and ensure proper disposal of contaminated materials.
- Document spill incidents in the Spill Incident Log (Annexure-5).
- Exposure Management:
- If exposure occurs, provide immediate first aid and seek medical attention as necessary.
- Report exposure incidents to the Safety Officer and document in the Exposure Incident Log (Annexure-6).
5.5 Documentation and Review
- Record-Keeping Requirements:
- Maintain all records related to toxic material handling, storage, and safety incidents for a minimum of five years.
- Ensure all records are available for regulatory inspections and internal audits.
- Document record retention details in the Record Retention Log (Annexure-7).
- Review and Continuous Improvement:
- QA and Safety Officers shall review safety protocols quarterly and recommend improvements if necessary.
- Document reviews in the Safety Procedure Review Log (Annexure-8).
6. Abbreviations
- SOP: Standard Operating Procedure
- GMP: Good Manufacturing Practice
- QA: Quality Assurance
- SDS: Safety Data Sheet
- PPE: Personal Protective Equipment
- GHS: Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals
7. Documents
- Toxic Material Identification Log (Annexure-1)
- PPE Issuance Log (Annexure-2)
- Toxic Material Handling Log (Annexure-3)
- Toxic Material Storage Log (Annexure-4)
- Spill Incident Log (Annexure-5)
- Exposure Incident Log (Annexure-6)
- Record Retention Log (Annexure-7)
- Safety Procedure Review Log (Annexure-8)
8. References
- 21 CFR Part 211 – Current Good Manufacturing Practice for Finished Pharmaceuticals
- OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200)
- WHO GMP Guidelines
- Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS)
9. SOP Version
Version: 2.0
10. Approval Section
Prepared By | Checked By | Approved By | |
---|---|---|---|
Signature | |||
Date | |||
Name | |||
Designation | |||
Department |
11. Annexures
Annexure-1: Toxic Material Identification Log
Date | Material Name | Classification (Toxic/Carcinogenic) | Batch Number | Identified By |
---|---|---|---|---|
09/03/2025 | Benzene | Carcinogenic | BNZ-4567 | Ravi Kumar |
Annexure-2: PPE Issuance Log
Date | Employee Name | PPE Type Issued | Quantity | Issued By | Remarks |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
09/03/2025 | Neha Verma | Respirator Mask, Nitrile Gloves | 1 Set | Ravi Kumar | For handling Benzene |
09/03/2025 | Amit Joshi | Chemical-Resistant Suit, Face Shield | 1 Set | Priya Singh | For solvent transfer operation |
Annexure-3: Toxic Material Handling Log
Date | Material Name | Batch Number | Handling Procedure | Handled By | Verified By |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
09/03/2025 | Benzene | BNZ-4567 | Transferred to storage under fume hood | Neha Verma | Ravi Kumar |
09/03/2025 | Formaldehyde | FRM-7890 | Sealed in airtight containers after sampling | Amit Joshi | Priya Singh |
Annexure-4: Toxic Material Storage Log
Date | Material Name | Batch Number | Storage Location | Temperature (°C) | Stored By |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
09/03/2025 | Benzene | BNZ-4567 | Toxic Material Cabinet A1 | 20°C | Ravi Kumar |
09/03/2025 | Formaldehyde | FRM-7890 | Ventilated Storage Room B3 | 18°C | Neha Verma |
Annexure-5: Spill Incident Log
Date | Material Name | Batch Number | Spill Description | Action Taken | Reported By |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
09/03/2025 | Formaldehyde | FRM-7890 | Minor spill during transfer | Evacuated area, neutralized, and disposed | Amit Joshi |
09/03/2025 | Benzene | BNZ-4567 | Container leakage detected | Sealed leak, moved to quarantine | Neha Verma |
Annexure-6: Exposure Incident Log
Date | Employee Name | Material Exposed To | Exposure Description | First Aid Provided | Reported By |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
09/03/2025 | Ravi Kumar | Formaldehyde | Inhalation during spill cleanup | Moved to fresh air, medical attention provided | Amit Joshi |
09/03/2025 | Neha Verma | Benzene | Skin contact while handling | Washed area with soap and water | Priya Singh |
Annexure-7: Record Retention Log
Date | Document Name | Retention Period | Stored By | Storage Location |
---|---|---|---|---|
09/03/2025 | Toxic Material Handling Log | 5 Years | Priya Singh (QA) | Document Control Room A |
09/03/2025 | Spill Incident Log | 5 Years | Rajeev Menon (QA) | Document Control Room B |
Annexure-8: Safety Procedure Review Log
Date | Review Type | Findings | Recommendations | Reviewed By |
---|---|---|---|---|
09/03/2025 | Quarterly Review | Increased spill incidents during material transfer | Implement additional spill training sessions | Priya Singh (QA) |
09/03/2025 | Annual Review | PPE compliance satisfactory, minor issues with storage labeling | Standardize labeling procedures | Rajeev Menon (QA) |
Revision History:
Revision Date | Revision No. | Revision Details | Reason for Revision | Approved By |
---|---|---|---|---|
01/01/2024 | 1.0 | Initial Version | New SOP Implementation | QA Head |
09/03/2025 | 2.0 | Updated handling protocols and PPE requirements | Alignment with updated GMP and OSHA standards | QA Head |