Standard Operating Procedure for Storage of Hazardous Chemicals in Compliance with Safety Regulations
Department | Warehouse / Quality Assurance |
---|---|
SOP No. | SOP/RM/116/2025 |
Supersedes | SOP/RM/116/2022 |
Page No. | Page 1 of 15 |
Issue Date | 16/02/2025 |
Effective Date | 20/02/2025 |
Review Date | 16/02/2026 |
1. Purpose
This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) outlines the safe storage of hazardous chemicals in compliance with safety regulations to prevent accidents, contamination, and ensure workplace safety.
2. Scope
This SOP applies to the storage of all hazardous chemicals, including flammable, corrosive, toxic, and reactive substances, within the warehouse and laboratory environments.
3. Responsibilities
- Warehouse Personnel: Ensure hazardous chemicals are stored according to regulatory guidelines and maintain accurate storage records.
- Quality Assurance (QA): Conduct regular audits and ensure compliance with safety standards.
- Warehouse Manager: Oversee storage operations and ensure staff are trained in hazardous material handling procedures.
4. Accountability
The Warehouse Manager is accountable for the proper storage of hazardous chemicals, while the QA Manager ensures compliance with regulatory and safety standards.
5. Procedure
5.1 Identification and Classification of Hazardous Chemicals
- Material Identification:
- Identify hazardous chemicals using Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
and supplier documentation.
Label all chemicals clearly with hazard symbols and storage instructions.
Document identification details in the Hazardous Chemical Identification Log (Annexure-1).
Classification of Chemicals:
- Classify chemicals as flammable, corrosive, toxic, or reactive based on MSDS data.
- Segregate incompatible chemicals to prevent dangerous reactions.
- Document classifications in the Chemical Classification Log (Annexure-2).
5.2 Storage Requirements for Hazardous Chemicals
- Explosion-Proof Storage:
- Store flammable chemicals in explosion-proof cabinets equipped with proper ventilation and grounding.
- Ensure corrosive substances are stored in corrosion-resistant containers and cabinets.
- Document storage details in the Hazardous Chemical Storage Log (Annexure-3).
- Labeling and Signage:
- Clearly label storage areas with appropriate hazard signs and emergency contact information.
- Ensure containers have intact and legible labels at all times.
5.3 Handling Procedures for Hazardous Chemicals
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Wear appropriate PPE, including gloves, goggles, face shields, and respirators when handling hazardous chemicals.
- Document PPE issuance in the PPE Usage Log (Annexure-4).
- Safe Handling Practices:
- Handle chemicals in designated areas with proper ventilation systems, such as fume hoods.
- Ensure all containers are sealed properly after use to prevent leaks and vapors.
- Document handling activities in the Chemical Handling Log (Annexure-5).
5.4 Monitoring and Maintenance of Storage Areas
- Regular Inspections:
- Inspect storage areas weekly for signs of leaks, corrosion, or improper labeling.
- Ensure emergency equipment (e.g., eyewash stations, fire extinguishers) is functional.
- Document inspection results in the Storage Area Inspection Log (Annexure-6).
- Maintenance Procedures:
- Repair any damaged containers or storage cabinets immediately to prevent exposure risks.
- Document maintenance activities in the Maintenance Log (Annexure-7).
5.5 Handling of Deviations and Spills
- Deviation Detection:
- Identify deviations such as leaks, temperature fluctuations, or improper storage conditions through regular monitoring.
- Isolate affected chemicals immediately and report deviations to QA.
- Document deviations in the Deviation Log (Annexure-8).
- Spill Response Procedures:
- In case of a spill, evacuate the area and use appropriate spill kits and protective equipment.
- Ventilate the area and safely dispose of contaminated materials following hazardous waste protocols.
- Document spill responses in the Spill Response Log (Annexure-9).
5.6 Periodic Review and Compliance Monitoring
- Warehouse Inspections:
- Conduct routine inspections of hazardous chemical storage areas to ensure compliance with safety protocols.
- Document inspection results in the Warehouse Inspection Log (Annexure-10).
- QA Compliance Audits:
- QA will conduct quarterly audits to ensure hazardous chemical storage complies with regulatory requirements.
- Document audit findings in the Compliance Audit Log (Annexure-11).
6. Abbreviations
- SOP: Standard Operating Procedure
- GMP: Good Manufacturing Practice
- QA: Quality Assurance
- MSDS: Material Safety Data Sheet
- PPE: Personal Protective Equipment
7. Documents
- Hazardous Chemical Identification Log (Annexure-1)
- Chemical Classification Log (Annexure-2)
- Hazardous Chemical Storage Log (Annexure-3)
- PPE Usage Log (Annexure-4)
- Chemical Handling Log (Annexure-5)
- Storage Area Inspection Log (Annexure-6)
- Maintenance Log (Annexure-7)
- Deviation Log (Annexure-8)
- Spill Response Log (Annexure-9)
- Warehouse Inspection Log (Annexure-10)
- Compliance Audit Log (Annexure-11)
8. References
- 21 CFR Part 211 – Current Good Manufacturing Practice for Finished Pharmaceuticals
- OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200)
- NFPA 400 – Hazardous Materials Code
- WHO GMP Guidelines
9. SOP Version
Version: 2.0
10. Approval Section
Prepared By | Checked By | Approved By | |
---|---|---|---|
Signature | |||
Date | |||
Name | |||
Designation | |||
Department |
11. Annexures
Annexure-1: Hazardous Chemical Identification Log
Date | Chemical Name | Hazard Classification | Identified By |
---|---|---|---|
16/02/2025 | Acetone | Flammable | Ravi Kumar |
Annexure-2: Chemical Classification Log
Date | Chemical Name | Classification | Documented By |
---|---|---|---|
16/02/2025 | Sulfuric Acid | Corrosive | Sunita Sharma |
Annexure-3: Hazardous Chemical Storage Log
Date | Chemical Name | Storage Area | Stored By |
---|---|---|---|
16/02/2025 | Acetone | Explosion-Proof Cabinet 1 | Ravi Kumar |
Annexure-4: PPE Usage Log
Date | Chemical Handled | PPE Used | Issued By |
---|---|---|---|
16/02/2025 | Acetone | Gloves, Goggles, Face Shield | Anjali Mehta |
Annexure-5: Chemical Handling Log
Date | Chemical Name | Handling Activity | Handled By |
---|---|---|---|
16/02/2025 | Acetone | Transferred to QC Lab | Sunita Sharma |
Annexure-6: Storage Area Inspection Log
Date | Area Inspected | Findings | Inspected By |
---|---|---|---|
16/02/2025 | Hazardous Chemical Storage Room | No issues detected | Anjali Mehta |
Annexure-7: Maintenance Log
Date | Area Maintained | Maintenance Activity | Performed By |
---|---|---|---|
15/02/2025 | Explosion-Proof Cabinet 1 | Replaced ventilation filter | Ravi Kumar |
Annexure-8: Deviation Log
Date | Deviation | Action Taken | Reported By |
---|---|---|---|
15/02/2025 | Corrosive label missing on sulfuric acid container | Reapplied label | Sunita Sharma |
Annexure-9: Spill Response Log
Date | Chemical Spilled | Spill Size | Action Taken | Handled By |
---|---|---|---|---|
15/02/2025 | Acetone | 200 ml | Used spill kit, ventilated area | Ravi Kumar |
Annexure-10: Warehouse Inspection Log
Date | Area Inspected | Findings | Corrective Actions | Inspected By |
---|---|---|---|---|
16/02/2025 | Hazardous Storage Area | No deviations found | N/A | Anjali Mehta |
Annexure-11: Compliance Audit Log
Date | Audit Type | Findings | Corrective Actions | Audited By |
---|---|---|---|---|
17/02/2025 | Hazardous Chemical Storage Compliance Audit | Compliant | N/A | Anjali Mehta |
Revision History:
Revision Date | Revision No. | Revision Details | Reason for Revision | Approved By |
---|---|---|---|---|
01/01/2024 | 1.0 | Initial Version | New SOP | QA Head |
16/02/2025 | 2.0 | Updated Storage Procedures for Regulatory Compliance | Regulatory Requirements | QA Head |