Standard Operating Procedure for Fire Safety Precautions in Raw Material Storage Areas
| Department | Warehouse / Safety and Compliance |
|---|---|
| SOP No. | SOP/RM/118/2025 |
| Supersedes | SOP/RM/118/2022 |
| Page No. | Page 1 of 15 |
| Issue Date | 18/02/2025 |
| Effective Date | 22/02/2025 |
| Review Date | 18/02/2026 |
1. Purpose
This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) outlines fire safety precautions to be followed in raw material storage areas to prevent fire hazards, ensure personnel safety, and protect stored materials.
2. Scope
This SOP applies to all storage areas within the warehouse, particularly zones containing flammable, combustible, or reactive raw materials.
3. Responsibilities
- Warehouse Personnel: Follow fire safety protocols, conduct daily checks, and report any potential fire hazards.
- Safety Officer: Conduct regular fire safety drills and ensure compliance with fire safety standards.
- Warehouse Manager: Oversee fire safety equipment maintenance and ensure staff are trained in fire response procedures.
4. Accountability
The Warehouse Manager and Safety Officer are accountable for maintaining fire safety protocols and ensuring all personnel are trained in fire emergency procedures.
5. Procedure
5.1 Fire Risk Assessment and Classification
- Identification of Fire Hazards:
- Identify flammable, combustible, and reactive raw materials using Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).
- Classify storage zones based on fire risk levels (high, medium, low).
- Document risk assessments in the Fire Risk Assessment Log (Annexure-1).
- Segregation of High-Risk Materials:
- Store flammable and reactive materials in designated, well-ventilated areas away from ignition sources.
- Ensure incompatible chemicals are stored separately to prevent reactive hazards.
5.2 Fire Safety Equipment and Maintenance
- Fire Extinguishers:
- Install appropriate fire extinguishers (Class A, B, C) at easily accessible locations.
- Inspect extinguishers monthly for pressure, damage, and expiration dates.
- Document inspections in the Fire Extinguisher Inspection Log (Annexure-2).
- Sprinkler Systems and Fire Alarms:
- Ensure sprinkler systems are functional and tested quarterly.
- Install fire alarms with audible and visual indicators, tested monthly.
- Document system tests in the Fire System Maintenance Log (Annexure-3).
5.3 Fire Prevention Measures
- Electrical Safety:
- Ensure all electrical installations are up to code and inspected regularly.
- Prohibit the use of extension cords and overloaded circuits in storage areas.
- Document inspections in the Electrical Safety Log (Annexure-4).
- Storage Practices:
- Maintain clear aisles and ensure materials are stored at safe distances from lights, heaters, and electrical outlets.
- Label flammable materials clearly and store them in explosion-proof cabinets.
5.4 Fire Emergency Response Procedures
- Fire Alarm Activation:
- In case of fire detection, immediately activate the nearest fire alarm and alert others in the vicinity.
- Evacuate the area following designated fire escape routes.
- Fire Extinguishing Procedures:
- Use appropriate fire extinguishers only if trained and the fire is manageable.
- Do not attempt to extinguish large or spreading fires; evacuate and call emergency services.
- Document incidents in the Fire Incident Log (Annexure-5).
5.5 Fire Drills and Training
- Employee Training:
- Conduct fire safety training for all warehouse personnel annually.
- Include the use of fire extinguishers, emergency evacuation procedures, and first-aid protocols.
- Document training sessions in the Fire Safety Training Log (Annexure-6).
- Fire Drills:
- Conduct fire drills quarterly to ensure all employees are familiar with evacuation routes and fire response protocols.
- Document fire drills in the Fire Drill Log (Annexure-7).
5.6 Handling Fire Safety Deviations
- Deviation Detection:
- Identify deviations such as blocked fire exits, malfunctioning alarms, or missing safety equipment during routine inspections.
- Report deviations immediately to the Warehouse Manager and Safety Officer.
- Document deviations in the Fire Safety Deviation Log (Annexure-8).
- Corrective Actions:
- Implement corrective actions promptly, such as clearing obstructions, repairing equipment, or retraining personnel.
- Document corrective measures in the Fire Safety Corrective Action Log (Annexure-9).
6. Abbreviations
- SOP: Standard Operating Procedure
- MSDS: Material Safety Data Sheet
- PPE: Personal Protective Equipment
7. Documents
- Fire Risk Assessment Log (Annexure-1)
- Fire Extinguisher Inspection Log (Annexure-2)
- Fire System Maintenance Log (Annexure-3)
- Electrical Safety Log (Annexure-4)
- Fire Incident Log (Annexure-5)
- Fire Safety Training Log (Annexure-6)
- Fire Drill Log (Annexure-7)
- Fire Safety Deviation Log (Annexure-8)
- Fire Safety Corrective Action Log (Annexure-9)
8. References
- NFPA 30 – Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code
- OSHA Fire Safety Regulations (29 CFR 1910.157)
- 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: Fire Risk Assessment Log
| Date | Area Assessed | Risk Level | Assessed By |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18/02/2025 | Flammable Storage Area | High | Ravi Kumar |
Annexure-2: Fire Extinguisher Inspection Log
| Date | Extinguisher ID | Inspection Status | Inspected By |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18/02/2025 | EXT-001 | Operational | Sunita Sharma |
Annexure-3: Fire System Maintenance Log
| Date | System Type | Maintenance Performed | Performed By |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17/02/2025 | Sprinkler System | Quarterly Test Completed | Anjali Mehta |
Annexure-4: Electrical Safety Log
| Date | Area Inspected | Findings | Inspected By |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16/02/2025 | Storage Room A | No Issues Detected | Ravi Kumar |
Annexure-5: Fire Incident Log
| Date | Incident Description | Response Action | Reported By |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15/02/2025 | Minor Smoke Detected in Flammable Storage | Activated Fire Alarm, Area Evacuated | Sunita Sharma |
Annexure-6: Fire Safety Training Log
| Date | Training Type | Conducted By | Attendees |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10/02/2025 | Fire Extinguisher Use | Anjali Mehta | All Warehouse Staff |
Annexure-7: Fire Drill Log
| Date | Drill Type | Outcome | Conducted By |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01/02/2025 | Evacuation Drill | All Staff Evacuated in 4 Minutes | Ravi Kumar |
Annexure-8: Fire Safety Deviation Log
| Date | Deviation Detected | Corrective Action | Reported By |
|---|---|---|---|
| 05/02/2025 | Fire Exit Blocked by Pallets | Cleared Obstruction Immediately | Sunita Sharma |
Annexure-9: Fire Safety Corrective Action Log
| Date | Issue | Corrective Action Taken | Performed By |
|---|---|---|---|
| 03/02/2025 | Faulty Fire Alarm | Replaced Alarm System | 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 |
| 18/02/2025 | 2.0 | Updated Fire Safety Procedures | Regulatory Compliance | QA Head |