Standard Procedure for Safe Handling of Hazardous Substances

1) Purpose

The purpose of this SOP is to define safe and systematic procedures for handling hazardous substances to protect personnel, equipment, and the environment from exposure or damage.

2) Scope

This SOP applies to all employees involved in the receipt, transfer, use, and disposal of hazardous substances within the facility.

3) Responsibilities

• Operators: Follow handling protocols, use proper PPE, and report incidents immediately.
• Quality Assurance (QA): Monitor adherence to procedures and review incident reports.
• Safety Officers: Conduct training and inspections to ensure compliance with safety standards.
• Maintenance Team: Maintain safety equipment and emergency response systems.

4) Procedure

4.1 Preparation for Handling Hazardous Substances

1. Understand Material Properties:
   1. Review the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for the hazardous substance to determine:
      • Physical and chemical properties
      • Hazards (flammability, toxicity, reactivity, etc.)
      • Storage and handling precautions
   2. Consult the supervisor if clarification on SDS content is needed.
2. Check Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
   1. Ensure PPE (e.g., gloves, goggles, respirators, protective suits) is available and functional.
   2. Refer to SDS for specific PPE recommendations.
3. Inspect Equipment and Tools:
   1. Ensure tools such as pumps, containers, and transfer devices are clean and in working condition.
   2. Use non-sparking tools for flammable materials.

4.2 Safe Handling Practices

1. Receiving Hazardous Substances:
   1. Inspect containers for leaks, damage, or missing labels.
   2. Move containers to designated storage areas using proper equipment (e.g., trolleys).
   3. Segregate incompatible materials to prevent chemical reactions.
2. Transferring Hazardous Substances:
   1. Use a closed transfer system or pump to prevent spills and exposure.
   2. Ensure proper ventilation, especially for volatile or toxic substances.
   3. Label all secondary containers clearly with:
      • Material name
      • Hazard classification
      • Precautionary symbols
3. During Use:
   1. Minimize the quantity of hazardous substances at the work area.
   2. Ensure containers are sealed when not in use.
   3. Handle substances under fume hoods or in well-ventilated areas for airborne hazards.
4. Cleaning and Decontamination:
   1. Clean tools and surfaces immediately after handling hazardous substances.
   2. Dispose of cleaning materials in accordance with hazardous waste disposal guidelines.

4.3 Emergency Handling of Accidents

In case of spills, exposure, or other incidents:

1. Spill Management:
   1. Evacuate the immediate area and alert all personnel.
   2. Use spill kits containing absorbents, neutralizers, and PPE for clean-up.
   3. Dispose of the spill residue as hazardous waste and record the incident.
2. Exposure Response:
   1. Skin contact: Rinse affected area with water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention.
   2. Eye contact: Use an eyewash station for at least 15 minutes.
   3. Inhalation: Move to fresh air immediately and seek medical help.
3. Reporting Incidents:
   1. Report all incidents to the supervisor or safety officer immediately.
   2. Complete the Hazardous Substance Incident Log (Annexure 2).

4.4 Waste Disposal

1. Segregate hazardous waste based on its classification (e.g., flammable, corrosive, toxic).
2. Label waste containers clearly with the material name and hazard class.
3. Dispose of waste as per local environmental and safety regulations.

5) Abbreviations, if any

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

6) Documents, if any

• Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
• Hazardous Substance Incident Log
• Waste Disposal Record

7) Reference, if any

• OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200)
• EPA Hazardous Waste Disposal Guidelines

8) SOP Version

Version: 1.0

Annexure

Template 1: Hazardous Substance Incident Log

 
 
 
Date
 
Substance Name
 
Type of Incident
 
Actions Taken
 
Reported By
 
 
 
DD/MM/YYYY
 
Material Name
 
Spill/Exposure/Leak
 
Cleaned/Reported
 
Employee Name
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Template 2: Waste Disposal Record

 
 
 
Date
 
Substance Name
 
Hazard Classification
 
Disposal Method
 
Disposed By
 
 
 
DD/MM/YYYY
 
Material Name
 
Flammable/Corrosive/Toxic
 
Incineration/Neutralization
 
Employee Name