(e.g., heat, impact, friction)

Document the risk assessment results and communicate them to employees.

4.2 Handling of Reactive and Explosive Chemicals

1. General Handling Guidelines:
   1. Read and understand the SDS before handling reactive or explosive chemicals.
   2. Ensure all personnel wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including:
      • Chemical-resistant gloves
      • Safety goggles or face shields
      • Flame-resistant lab coats or suits
   3. Use tools and equipment made of non-sparking materials when handling explosive chemicals.
2. Safe Transfer Practices:
   1. Transfer reactive chemicals using sealed systems or chemical-resistant pumps.
   2. Keep containers closed when not in use to prevent exposure to air or moisture.
   3. Minimize manual handling to avoid friction or impact with containers.
3. Precautions for Water and Air Reactive Chemicals:
   1. Store and handle water-reactive chemicals (e.g., sodium) in inert atmospheres or tightly sealed containers.
   2. Never expose air-sensitive chemicals (e.g., peroxides) to open environments.
4. Safe Work Area Practices:
   1. Handle reactive and explosive chemicals in well-ventilated areas or fume hoods.
   2. Remove all ignition sources (e.g., flames, heat, sparks) from the work area.
   3. Keep fire extinguishers and emergency spill kits readily accessible.

4.3 Storage of Reactive and Explosive Chemicals

1. Segregation and Isolation:
   1. Store reactive and explosive chemicals separately from incompatible materials, such as:
      • Oxidizers
      • Flammable substances
      • Acids or bases
   2. Use separate, fire-resistant cabinets for explosive chemicals.
2. Temperature Control:
   1. Maintain storage temperatures below the chemical’s decomposition or auto-ignition temperature.
   2. Use temperature monitoring systems for chemicals requiring refrigeration.
3. Ventilation:
   1. Ensure storage areas have proper ventilation to prevent the build-up of toxic gases or fumes.
4. Labeling and Signage:
   1. Clearly mark storage cabinets and areas with hazard symbols and “Caution: Explosive/Reactive Chemicals.”

4.4 Emergency Response

1. Spill Management:
   1. Evacuate the area and notify the Safety Officer immediately.
   2. Use inert absorbents (e.g., sand) for spills involving reactive chemicals. Avoid water unless specified in the SDS.
2. Fire or Explosion:
   1. Activate the fire alarm and evacuate the facility.
   2. Use Class D fire extinguishers for combustible metal fires.
   3. Contact the fire department and provide the chemical’s SDS for response guidance.

4.5 Inspection and Monitoring

1. Conduct weekly inspections of reactive and explosive chemical storage areas for:
   • Leaking or damaged containers
   • Improper segregation of incompatible chemicals
   • Blocked ventilation systems
2. Record findings in the Reactive Chemical Inspection Log (Annexure 1).
3. Immediately address non-compliance and report corrective actions to the Safety Officer.

4.6 Training

1. Train all employees on the following:
   • Hazards of reactive and explosive chemicals
   • Safe handling, transfer, and storage practices
   • Emergency spill and fire response procedures
2. Conduct annual refresher training and maintain training records (Annexure 2).

5) Abbreviations, if any

• SDS: Safety Data Sheet
• PPE: Personal Protective Equipment

6) Documents, if any

• Reactive Chemical Inspection Log
• Employee Training Records
• Incident Reports

7) Reference, if any

• OSHA Standard for Hazardous Chemicals (29 CFR 1910.1450)
• NFPA 400: Hazardous Materials Code

8) SOP Version

Version: 1.0

Annexure

Template 1: Reactive Chemical Inspection Log

Date	Location	Observations	Corrective Action	Inspected By
DD/MM/YYYY	Storage Area	Improper Segregation	Reorganized	Inspector Name

Template 2: Employee Training Record

Date	Employee Name	Training Topic	Trainer	Remarks
DD/MM/YYYY	Employee Name	Reactive/Explosive Handling	Trainer Name	Completed