Standard Operating Procedure for Transporting Hazardous Materials Within the Facility

1) Purpose

The purpose of this SOP is to establish clear, detailed procedures for the safe and compliant transportation of hazardous materials within the facility. Proper handling during transportation minimizes risks to personnel, equipment, and the environment while ensuring adherence to safety standards.

2) Scope

This SOP applies to all employees involved in moving hazardous materials between storage areas, laboratories, workstations, and other designated locations within the facility. It includes transportation of liquids, gases, solids, and bulk materials.

3) Responsibilities

• Operators: Ensure safe movement of hazardous materials following the specified procedure.
• Supervisors: Monitor operator compliance, review transport logs, and provide guidance.
• Quality Assurance (QA): Verify proper labeling, recordkeeping, and compliance with safety standards.
• Safety Officers: Conduct risk assessments, inspections, and ensure emergency protocols are in place.
• Maintenance Team: Maintain all transport equipment and spill containment kits.

4) Procedure

4.1 Pre-Transport Preparations

1. Material Review:
   1. Obtain the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for the material to confirm:
      • Hazard classification (flammable, corrosive, reactive, or toxic)
      • Physical properties (e.g., liquid, gas, solid)
      • Special handling requirements
      • Emergency response protocols
2. Verify Containers:
   1. Inspect all containers for:
      • Leaks, cracks, or bulges
      • Proper sealing (lids, valves, caps)
      • Clear and legible labeling with hazard symbols and descriptions
   2. If a container is damaged, label it as “Defective – Do Not Use” and isolate it in the designated area for evaluation.
3. Prepare Transport Equipment:
   1. Select appropriate equipment based on the material type:
      • Hand trolleys for small containers
      • Forklifts or pallet jacks for bulk materials
      • Gas cylinder carts with straps for compressed gases
   2. Verify that equipment is clean, stable, and functional.
4. Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
   1. Operators must wear PPE as recommended in the SDS, including:
      • Chemical-resistant gloves
      • Safety goggles or face shields
      • Respirators (for airborne hazards)
      • Protective suits and boots
5. Transport Route Planning:
   1. Plan the route to avoid high-traffic areas, stairs, or narrow walkways.
   2. Verify that the route is free from obstructions, spills, or open drains.
   3. Clearly mark transport routes using hazard symbols and signage.

4.2 Safe Transport of Hazardous Materials

1. General Safety Guidelines:
   1. Use both hands when handling containers to avoid accidental drops.
   2. Ensure the material is securely placed on the transport equipment.
   3. Push carts and trolleys at a slow and steady pace to avoid sudden movements.
2. Transporting Liquids:
   1. Place liquid containers in spill trays or secondary containment bins.
   2. Ensure that lids are tightly sealed before transport.
   3. Transport liquid materials upright to prevent leaks.
3. Transporting Gases:
   1. Secure compressed gas cylinders on cylinder trolleys with straps or chains.
   2. Ensure cylinder valves are closed, and protective caps are in place.
   3. Keep gas cylinders upright at all times during movement.
4. Transporting Flammable and Reactive Materials:
   1. Keep flammable substances away from sources of ignition (e.g., open flames, heat).
   2. Use explosion-proof equipment and avoid static buildup during transport.
   3. Transport reactive materials separately to prevent unintended reactions.
5. Loading and Unloading:
   1. Lower containers gently onto transport equipment to avoid impact.
   2. Ensure containers are stable and secure before starting transport.
   3. Unload materials in designated storage areas promptly.

4.3 Emergency Response During Transport

1. Spills or Leaks:
   1. Stop movement and secure the area immediately.
   2. Use spill containment kits to contain and clean small spills.
   3. Report large spills to the Safety Officer and evacuate the area if necessary.
2. Exposure Incidents:
   1. Remove affected individuals to a safe location and provide first aid as per the SDS.
   2. Use eyewash stations or emergency showers for chemical contact.
   3. Seek medical attention and document the incident.
3. Container Damage:
   1. Isolate the damaged container and notify the supervisor.
   2. Transfer the contents to a secure container if safe to do so.
   3. Document the incident in the transport log and report to the QA team.

4.4 Documentation and Recordkeeping

1. Maintain a Hazardous Material Transport Log (Annexure 1) for each transport, including:
   • Date and time of transport
   • Material name and quantity
   • Origin and destination
   • Operator initials
2. Maintain incident logs for spills, exposure, or container damage.
3. Audit transport logs monthly for compliance and accuracy.

5) Abbreviations, if any

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

6) Documents, if any

• Hazardous Material Transport Log
• Incident Reports
• Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

7) Reference, if any

• OSHA Hazardous Materials Standard (29 CFR 1910.120)
• NFPA Guidelines for Transporting Hazardous Substances

8) SOP Version

Version: 1.0

Annexure

Template 1: Hazardous Material Transport Log

 
 
 
Date
 
Material Name
 
Quantity
 
From
 
To
 
Transported By
 
 
 
DD/MM/YYYY
 
Chemical Name
 
Amount
 
Origin
 
Destination
 
Operator Name