Purpose

To establish safe procedures for handling, storing, and disposing of hazardous chemicals to protect employees, contractors, visitors, and the environment.

Scope

This SOP applies to all personnel who handle, store, transport, or may be exposed to hazardous chemicals within company premises.

Responsibilities

• Employees/Contractors: Follow safe handling procedures and wear appropriate PPE.
• Supervisors/Managers: Ensure chemicals are properly labelled, stored, and that staff are trained.
• Health & Safety Officers: Maintain chemical registers, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), training, and compliance with legal requirements.

Procedure

A. Identification and Labelling

1. All hazardous chemicals must be clearly labelled with name, hazard pictograms, and handling instructions.
2. Never use chemicals from unmarked or damaged containers.
3. Refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before handling any chemical.

B. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

1. Wear PPE as specified in the SDS (e.g., gloves, safety goggles, respirators, lab coats).
2. Inspect PPE before use and replace if damaged.
3. Wash hands thoroughly after handling chemicals, even if gloves were worn.

C. Safe Handling

1. Avoid direct contact with chemicals; never taste, sniff, or touch them unnecessarily.
2. Use chemicals only in designated, well-ventilated areas.
3. Do not eat, drink, or store food near chemicals.
4. Never mix chemicals unless specifically instructed and trained.
5. Transport chemicals in approved containers, using spill trays where required.

D. Storage

1. Store chemicals in designated, labelled cabinets (flammables, corrosives, toxic, etc.).
2. Keep incompatible chemicals separate (e.g., acids away from bases, oxidizers away from flammables).
3. Ensure storage areas are dry, well-ventilated, and locked when not in use.
4. Keep quantities to the minimum needed for operations.

E. Spill and Emergency Response

1. In case of a spill:
   • Evacuate area if necessary.
   • Contain spill using absorbent materials or spill kits.
   • Wear PPE when cleaning up.
   • Dispose of cleanup materials as hazardous waste.
2. Report all spills, exposures, or accidents immediately to a supervisor.
3. For large spills, fire, or chemical releases, activate emergency procedures and call emergency services.

F. Disposal

1. Do not pour chemicals down drains or place them in general waste bins.
2. Dispose of hazardous chemicals through approved waste management contractors.
3. Label waste containers clearly and store securely until collection.

Training

• All employees handling hazardous chemicals must receive training on:
  • Reading and understanding Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
  • Correct use of PPE.
  • Emergency response and spill cleanup.
• Refresher training will be provided as needed.

Records and Documentation 

• A chemical register and SDS must be available for all hazardous substances on site.
• Records of training, incidents, and disposal must be maintained by the Health & Safety Officer.