SOP Guide for Pharma

SOP for Receiving and Storing Hazardous Materials

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SOP for Receiving and Storing Hazardous Materials

Standard Operating Procedure for Receiving and Safe Storage of Hazardous Materials

1) Purpose

The purpose of this SOP is to define the systematic process for receiving and storing hazardous materials to ensure safety, regulatory compliance, and prevention of accidents or exposure.

2) Scope

This SOP applies to all personnel involved in receiving, inspecting, handling, and storing hazardous materials within the facility.

3) Responsibilities

  • Operators: Inspect and handle hazardous materials as per guidelines.
  • Inventory Managers: Maintain accurate records and storage segregation.
  • Quality Assurance (QA): Verify compliance with labeling, documentation, and safety standards.
  • Safety Officers: Oversee safe handling and storage practices.

4) Procedure

4.1 Receiving Hazardous Materials

  1. Prior to Receipt:
    1. Ensure receiving personnel are trained to handle hazardous materials safely.
    2. Verify that proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is available and functional (e.g., gloves, goggles, protective suits).
    3. Confirm the designated receiving area is clean, well-ventilated, and free from obstructions.
  2. Material Inspection:
    1. Inspect the shipment for any of the following:
      • Damaged containers (cracks, leaks, bulges)
      • Missing or illegible labels
      • Unidentified substances
    2. If any discrepancy is found:
      • Isolate the material and label it as “Quarantined – Pending Inspection.”
      • Notify the Quality Assurance (QA) team for further evaluation.
  3. Verification of Documentation:
    1. Cross-check the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and shipping manifest to confirm:
      • Material name and quantity
      • Hazard classification
      • Supplier details
    2. Record the material in
the Hazardous Material Receiving Log (Annexure 1).
  • Safe Handling During Receipt:
    1. Use appropriate equipment (e.g., forklifts, trolleys) to move containers safely.
    2. Handle containers carefully to prevent spills, leaks, or breakage.

    • 4.2 Storing Hazardous Materials

    1. Segregation of Materials:
      1. Store hazardous materials based on their hazard classification:
        • Flammable materials: Store in fire-resistant cabinets away from ignition sources.
        • Corrosive materials: Use acid-resistant storage units and segregate from incompatible chemicals.
        • Reactive materials: Store in isolation with proper ventilation.
        • Toxic substances: Use tightly sealed containers in a well-ventilated area.
      2. Never store incompatible chemicals together to avoid hazardous reactions. Refer to SDS for compatibility charts.
    2. Labeling:
      1. Ensure each container is clearly labeled with the following:
        • Material name
        • Hazard classification (e.g., flammable, toxic, corrosive)
        • Precautionary symbols
        • Storage requirements
      2. Replace any missing or illegible labels immediately.
    3. Storage Conditions:
      1. Ensure storage rooms meet the following criteria:
        • Ventilation: Maintain airflow to prevent vapor build-up.
        • Temperature: Store materials within recommended temperature ranges.
        • Fire Protection: Install fire extinguishers and sprinklers as required.
        • Spill Containment: Place spill trays or secondary containment under liquid containers.
    4. Storage Inventory:
      1. Maintain a Hazardous Material Storage Log (Annexure 2) with the following details:
        • Material name
        • Quantity
        • Storage location
        • Expiration date
      2. Conduct weekly inspections to verify inventory and storage conditions.

    4.3 Emergency Protocols During Receipt or Storage

    1. In Case of Spills or Leaks:
      1. Evacuate the area and notify the Safety Officer.
      2. Use spill kits to contain and clean the spill following safety guidelines.
      3. Dispose of spill residues as hazardous waste.
    2. Fire or Explosion:
      1. Activate the fire alarm and evacuate the facility.
      2. Use fire extinguishers only if trained and safe to do so.
      3. Notify the local fire department and follow the emergency response plan.

    5) Abbreviations, if any

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

    6) Documents, if any

    • Hazardous Material Receiving Log
    • Hazardous Material Storage Log
    • Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

    7) Reference, if any

    • OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200)
    • NFPA Guidelines for Storage of Hazardous Chemicals

    8) SOP Version

    Version: 1.0

    Annexure

    Template 1: Hazardous Material Receiving Log
    Date Material Name Supplier Quantity Inspected By
    DD/MM/YYYY Chemical Name Supplier Name Amount Employee Name

    Template 2: Hazardous Material Storage Log
    Material Name Storage Location Quantity Expiration Date Last Inspected
    Chemical Name Storage Room/Cabinet Amount DD/MM/YYYY DD/MM/YYYY
    See also  SOP for Safe Storage of Flammable Materials
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