Standard Operating Procedure for Inspection of Hazardous Material Storage Areas

1) Purpose

The purpose of this SOP is to establish a systematic procedure for inspecting hazardous material storage areas to ensure compliance with safety regulations, minimize risks of spills, leaks, and contamination, and protect personnel and the environment.

2) Scope

This SOP applies to all storage areas where hazardous materials, including solids, liquids, and gases, are stored within the facility. It includes inspection frequency, parameters, documentation, and corrective actions.

3) Responsibilities

• Operators: Ensure storage conditions are maintained in compliance with this SOP and report any irregularities.
• Supervisors: Conduct scheduled inspections, document findings, and initiate corrective actions.
• Safety Officers: Review inspection reports, address recurring issues, and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Maintenance Team: Repair faulty equipment, storage units, and ventilation systems identified during inspections.

4) Procedure

4.1 Inspection Frequency

1. Routine Inspections: Conduct weekly inspections of hazardous material storage areas.
2. Comprehensive Inspections: Conduct monthly detailed inspections, including equipment functionality, storage compliance, and area cleanliness.
3. Post-Incident Inspections: Conduct immediate inspections following spills, leaks, or other incidents involving hazardous materials.

4.2 Pre-Inspection Preparations

1. Review Documentation:
   • Review the list of hazardous materials stored, including their classifications and quantities.
   • Refer to relevant Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for specific storage requirements.
2. Gather Inspection Tools:
   • Inspection checklists (Annexure 1)
   • Gas detectors (for flammable or toxic vapors)
   • Flashlight for visual inspections
   • PPE: Gloves, goggles, and respirators
   • Camera or phone for documentation (optional)
3. Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
   • Chemical-resistant gloves
   • Safety goggles or face shields
   • Respirators (if required for toxic or vaporized materials)
   • Protective suits if inspecting high-risk areas

4.3 Inspection Parameters

1. Storage Area Cleanliness and Organization:
   1. Ensure the area is free of spills, leaks, and chemical residues.
   2. Verify proper labeling of all containers with the material name, hazard class, and date of storage.
   3. Confirm that incompatible materials (e.g., acids and bases, flammables and oxidizers) are segregated.

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2. Condition of Storage Containers:
   1. Inspect containers for:
      • Leaks, cracks, or corrosion
      • Loose or damaged caps, lids, or valves
      • Improper labeling or missing hazard symbols
   2. Isolate and label defective containers as “Do Not Use” and report to maintenance for immediate action.
3. Storage Conditions:
   1. Check that temperature and humidity levels comply with SDS recommendations.
   2. Verify adequate ventilation in storage rooms or cabinets to prevent vapor buildup.
   3. Ensure flammable materials are stored in fire-rated cabinets and away from ignition sources.
4. Equipment Functionality:
   1. Inspect ventilation systems (e.g., exhaust fans and ducts) for proper operation.
   2. Verify the presence and functionality of safety equipment, including:
      • Spill kits
      • Fire extinguishers
      • Emergency showers and eyewash stations
      • Gas detection systems
5. Compliance with Storage Capacity Limits:
   1. Ensure hazardous materials do not exceed the allowable storage quantities.
   2. Verify proper documentation of materials entering and exiting the storage area.

4.4 Post-Inspection Actions

1. Document Findings:
   1. Record inspection results in the Hazardous Material Storage Inspection Log (Annexure 1).
   2. Include details such as date, storage location, observations, and corrective actions required.

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2. Address Non-Compliance:
   1. Report all deficiencies to the Safety Officer and Supervisors immediately.
   2. Initiate corrective actions such as:
      • Isolating defective containers
      • Repairing or replacing faulty equipment
      • Improving storage conditions (temperature, ventilation)
3. Follow-Up Inspections:
   1. Conduct follow-up inspections within 48 hours to confirm corrective actions are completed.

4.5 Reporting

1. Submit inspection reports to the Safety Officer and QA team for review and approval.
2. Maintain inspection records for at least three years for compliance and audit purposes.

5) Abbreviations, if any

• SDS: Safety Data Sheet
• PPE: Personal Protective Equipment
• QA: Quality Assurance

6) Documents, if any

• Hazardous Material Storage Inspection Log
• Corrective Action Reports
• Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

7) Reference, if any

• OSHA Hazardous Material Storage Guidelines (29 CFR 1910.106)
• NFPA 30: Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code

8) SOP Version

Version: 1.0

Annexure

Template 1: Hazardous Material Storage Inspection Log

Date	Storage Location	Inspection Parameters	Observations	Corrective Actions	Inspector Name
DD/MM/YYYY	Storage Room 1	Leak Detection, Ventilation	No Leaks; Ventilation Functional	None	Inspector Name