Procedure for Chemical Storing and
Handling
Purpose
To ensure the safe storage and handling of chemicals to minimize risks to personnel,
property, and the environment.
Scope
This procedure applies to all employees and contractors involved in storing, handling,
or using hazardous chemicals on-site.
1. Responsibilities
Management:
o Ensure compliance with safety regulations.
o Provide necessary training and resources.
Supervisors:
o Enforce chemical safety procedures.
o Conduct regular inspections of storage and handling areas.
Employees:
o Follow all procedures and report any safety concerns.
o Participate in required training sessions.
2. Identification and Labeling of Chemicals
All chemicals must have a proper label in accordance with GHS (Globally
Harmonized System) standards, including:
Chemical name.
Hazard classification (e.g., flammable, corrosive).
Precautionary and hazard statements.
Emergency contact details.
Maintain and update Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for every chemical used or stored.
3. Storage of Chemicals
Store chemicals in designated storage areas that are:
o Well-ventilated.
o Away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
o Labeled with appropriate hazard symbols.
Segregate chemicals by compatibility group to prevent adverse reactions:
o Flammables away from oxidizers.
o Acids separated from bases.
o Toxic substances stored in secure, locked cabinets.
Use secondary containment (e.g., spill trays) to prevent leaks or spills.
4. Handling of Chemicals
Always use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as:
o Gloves, goggles, face shields, and lab coats.
o Respiratory protection when required.
Follow proper handling practices:
o Never eat, drink, or smoke while handling chemicals.
o Avoid direct contact with skin, eyes, and clothing.
o Use tools (e.g., pipettes or tongs) for transferring chemicals instead of manual
handling.
5. Transportation of Chemicals
Use approved containers and ensure they are securely sealed.
Transport chemicals using carts with spill containment features.
Avoid transporting incompatible chemicals together.
6. Emergency Procedures
In case of a spill or leak:
o Alert nearby personnel and evacuate if necessary.
o Use spill kits to contain and clean up minor spills.
o Report incidents to the supervisor immediately.
In case of exposure:
o Follow first aid instructions as per the SDS.
o Use emergency showers or eyewash stations for immediate decontamination.
o Seek medical attention as needed.
In case of fire:
o Use appropriate fire extinguishers (e.g., CO2 for flammable liquids).
o Evacuate and call emergency services.
7. Inspections and Maintenance
Conduct regular inspections of:
o Storage areas for leaks, damages, or expired chemicals.
o Ventilation systems and secondary containment.
Dispose of expired or unused chemicals in accordance with local waste
disposal regulations.
8. Training and Communication
Provide regular training on:
Hazard identification.
Correct storage and handling procedures.
Emergency response protocols.
Display safety posters and quick reference guides in storage and handling areas.
9. Documentation
Maintain records of:
o Chemical inventory.
o Safety inspections.
o Incident reports.
o Employee training sessions.
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Here’s a step-by-step procedure for chemical storing and handling that you can
directly integrate into your HIRAC (Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment, and
Control) process. This format emphasizes each action as a step for clarity and
compliance.
Step-by-Step Procedure for Chemical
Storing and Handling
1. Chemical Identification and Risk Assessment
1.1. Identify all chemicals used or stored on-site.
1.2. Review Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for each chemical to determine hazards (e.g.,
flammability, toxicity, corrosiveness).
1.3. Assess the risks associated with the chemicals based on:
Quantity.
Storage conditions.
Handling practices.
Potential exposure scenarios.
2. Chemical Labeling
2.1. Ensure all containers are labeled according to GHS (Globally Harmonized
System) standards.
2.2. Labels must include:
Chemical name.
Hazard pictograms.
Precautionary and hazard statements.
2.3. Replace any damaged or missing labels immediately.
3. Chemical Storage
3.1. Store chemicals in designated areas designed for safe storage (e.g., chemical
cabinets, ventilated rooms).
3.2. Segregate chemicals by compatibility:
Flammables (e.g., alcohols, solvents) stored in flame-resistant cabinets.
Acids and bases stored separately to prevent reactions.
Toxic or reactive chemicals stored in locked cabinets.
3.3. Maintain secondary containment (e.g., spill trays) under all containers.
3.4. Regularly check for leaks, corrosion, or damage to containers.
4. Handling Chemicals Safely
4.1. Inspect containers and tools for defects before use.
4.2. Use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
Gloves, goggles, and lab coats as a minimum.
Respirators or face shields for chemicals that emit harmful fumes.
4.3. Use tools like funnels, tongs, or pipettes for transferring chemicals to avoid manual
handling.
4.4. Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in areas where chemicals are handled.
5. Transporting Chemicals
5.1. Use approved, sealed containers when moving chemicals between locations.
5.2. Transport chemicals using carts with spill containment features to prevent
accidents.
5.3. Never transport incompatible chemicals together (e.g., acids and oxidizers).
6. Spill and Emergency Handling
6.1. In case of a spill or leak:
Alert all personnel in the area.
Evacuate non-essential workers if the spill is large or hazardous.
Contain small spills using spill kits (e.g., absorbent pads or neutralizers).
Report the incident to the supervisor immediately.
6.2. In case of exposure:
Use emergency showers or eyewash stations for immediate decontamination.
Seek medical assistance and follow SDS first-aid instructions.
6.3. In case of fire:
Evacuate the area and call emergency services.
Use appropriate fire extinguishers (e.g., CO2 for flammable liquids).
7. Inspection and Maintenance
7.1. Conduct weekly or monthly inspections of:
Storage conditions.
Chemical container integrity.
Ventilation systems.
7.2. Dispose of expired or unused chemicals following local waste disposal regulations.
7.3. Repair or replace damaged containment measures immediately.
8. Training and Awareness
8.1. Provide regular training for employees and contractors on:
Hazard identification and risk management.
Proper chemical storage and handling practices.
Emergency response procedures (e.g., spill containment, fire extinguishing).
8.2. Display safety instructions and emergency contacts prominently in storage and handling
areas.
9. Documentation and Reporting
9.1. Maintain an up-to-date inventory of all chemicals on-site.
9.2. Keep records of all safety inspections, training sessions, and incident reports.
9.3. Review and update chemical risk assessments periodically or when new
chemicals are introduced.
