within the API manufacturing warehouse and production areas.

3. Responsibilities

• Warehouse Staff: Ensure proper labeling, segregation, and safe handling practices are followed.
• Maintenance Team: Maintain fire safety equipment, explosion-proof fixtures, and ventilation systems.
• Safety Officer: Conduct safety audits, training, and ensure regulatory signage and PPE availability.

4. Accountability

The Warehouse and EHS (Environment, Health, Safety) Managers are jointly accountable for ensuring safe storage, training, and monitoring compliance with hazardous material handling procedures.

5. Procedure

5.1 Classification and Identification

1. All chemicals shall be classified as per Globally Harmonized System (GHS) and MSDS.
2. Examples of hazardous materials:
   • Flammable liquids (e.g., Methanol, Acetone)
   • Oxidizers (e.g., Hydrogen Peroxide)
   • Corrosives (e.g., HCl, NaOH)
   • Toxic substances (e.g., Cyanides)
3. Affix hazard symbols, UN numbers, and handling instructions on each container.

5.2 Storage Requirements

1. Store flammable materials in flameproof rooms or cabinets as per local fire department regulations.
2. Segregate incompatible substances based on chemical compatibility chart.
3. Store acids, bases, and oxidizers separately in ventilated, corrosion-resistant shelves.
4. Ensure storage areas have:
   • Explosion-proof electrical fixtures
   • Temperature controls
   • Secondary spill containment
   • Proper exhaust ventilation

5.3 Labeling and Signage

1. Every storage area and container must bear:
   • Hazard classification (e.g., flammable, corrosive)
   • Signal word (e.g., Danger)
   • Pictogram and precautionary statement
2. Install signage like “No Smoking,” “Flammable Area,” and emergency exit direction boards.

5.4 Inventory and Monitoring

1. Maintain updated inventory of hazardous chemicals in the “Hazardous Chemical Register” (Annexure-1).
2. Conduct physical verification monthly.
3. Perform routine checks for:
   • Container integrity
   • Label clarity
   • Leakage or spillage
4. Log temperature and humidity daily for flammable storage areas (Annexure-2).

5.5 Safety Measures and Emergency Equipment

1. Provide the following safety infrastructure:
   • Fire extinguishers (foam, CO2, dry chemical)
   • Eye wash stations
   • Emergency shower
   • Fire hydrants and smoke detectors
2. Train staff on:
   • MSDS usage
   • Evacuation procedures
   • Use of fire extinguishers
3. Conduct mock drills every 6 months.

6. Abbreviations

• SOP: Standard Operating Procedure
• MSDS: Material Safety Data Sheet
• GHS: Globally Harmonized System
• EHS: Environment, Health, and Safety

7. Documents

1. Hazardous Chemical Register (Annexure-1)
2. Temperature and Humidity Log (Annexure-2)
3. Hazardous Storage Area Audit Checklist (Annexure-3)

8. References

• OSHA 29 CFR 1910.106 – Flammable Liquids
• ICH Q7 – GMP Guide for APIs
• NFPA Codes and IS 2182: Fire Safety Guidelines

9. SOP Version

Version: 2.0

10. Approval Section

	Prepared By	Checked By	Approved By
Signature
Date
Designation	Warehouse Executive	EHS Officer	QA Manager
Department	API Manufacturing	Environment, Health & Safety	Quality Assurance

11. Annexures

Annexure-1: Hazardous Chemical Register

Date	Material	Batch	Storage Location	Classification	Quantity
13/04/2025	Acetone	AC202504	Flammable Store 1	Flammable	100 L

Annexure-2: Temperature and Humidity Log

Date	Time	Temp (°C)	Humidity (%)	Checked By
13/04/2025	09:00	25.1	60

Annexure-3: Hazardous Storage Area Audit Checklist

Date	Audit Area	Checklist Item	Status	Corrective Action (if any)
10/04/2025	Solvent Bay	Fire Extinguisher Validity	OK	—

Revision History:

Revision Date	Revision No.	Revision Details	Reason for Revision	Approved By
01/01/2022	1.0	Initial SOP	GMP Safety Compliance	QA Head
13/04/2025	2.0	Integrated GHS and Fire Safety Enhancements	Regulatory Update	QA Head