Segregation:

1. Store chemicals in designated areas based on hazard class to prevent contact between incompatible materials.
2. Use separate shelves, cabinets, or storage rooms for chemicals with incompatible properties.
3. Use secondary containment (e.g., spill trays) to avoid cross-contamination during leaks or spills.

Distance and Barriers:

1. Maintain a minimum distance of 3 meters (10 feet) between incompatible chemicals unless physical barriers are in place.
2. Use fire-resistant cabinets for flammables and explosion-proof cabinets for reactive chemicals.
3. Ensure corrosives are stored in acid-resistant shelving or cabinets.

Labeling and Signage:

1. Clearly label storage cabinets and shelves with chemical hazard class symbols.
2. Use color-coded labels or stickers to identify and segregate incompatible materials.
   • Red: Flammables
   • Yellow: Reactive/Oxidizers
   • Blue: Health hazards
   • White: Corrosives

4.3 Storage Requirements for Specific Hazard Classes

1. Flammable Liquids:
   1. Store in fire-rated cabinets with self-closing doors.
   2. Keep away from heat, ignition sources, and oxidizers.
2. Oxidizers:
   1. Store in dedicated cabinets, away from flammable and combustible materials.
   2. Do not store oxidizers with organic materials (e.g., oil, grease, wood).
3. Acids and Bases:
   1. Store acids and bases in separate acid-resistant cabinets.
   2. Do not store acids near cyanides, which may release toxic hydrogen cyanide gas.
4. Reactive Chemicals:
   1. Store in isolated, cool, and dry locations.
   2. Use ventilated cabinets for chemicals that produce toxic or flammable vapors.
5. Compressed Gas Cylinders:
   1. Store oxygen cylinders separately from flammable gas cylinders.
   2. Secure cylinders in an upright position using chains or brackets.

4.4 Inspection and Monitoring

1. Conduct weekly inspections of chemical storage areas to verify proper segregation and identify any:
   • Improperly stored chemicals
   • Damaged containers
   • Spills or leaks
2. Document inspection findings in the Chemical Segregation Inspection Log (Annexure 1).
3. Report and rectify any non-compliance immediately.

4.5 Training

1. Provide annual training to all employees on:
   • Understanding chemical incompatibilities
   • Proper segregation practices
   • Hazard classification symbols
   • Emergency protocols for chemical contact or spills
2. Conduct practical demonstrations for proper chemical handling and segregation.
3. Maintain training records for all employees (Annexure 2).

5) Abbreviations, if any

• SDS: Safety Data Sheet
• PPE: Personal Protective Equipment

6) Documents, if any

• Chemical Segregation Inspection Log
• Employee Training Records
• Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

7) Reference, if any

• OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200)
• NFPA Chemical Hazard Compatibility Guidelines

8) SOP Version

Version: 1.0

Annexure

Template 1: Chemical Segregation Inspection Log

 
 
 
Date
 
Location
 
Observations
 
Corrective Action
 
Inspected By
 
 
 
DD/MM/YYYY
 
Storage Area/Lab
 
Improper Storage/Leak
 
Reorganized/Repaired
 
Inspector Name
 
 
 

Template 2: Employee Training Record

 
 
 
Date
 
Employee Name
 
Training Topic
 
Trainer
 
Remarks
 
 
 
DD/MM/YYYY
 
Employee Name
 
Chemical Segregation
 
Trainer Name
 
Completed/Needs Follow-Up