Symmetrical Group

Policies and Procedures

CORE BUSINESS OPERATIONS\WAREHOUSING

SG-PR-24-03 Chemical and Product Storage

Purpose

The purpose of this procedure is to ensure that stored product and materials are not damaged or altered prior to use or delivery.  Storage procedures apply to product and material from initial receipt until final shipping and delivery.

Background

Only designated storage areas shall be identified and used to prevent damage or deterioration of the product pending use or delivery.

Scope

Applies to product and materials while on company property during manufacturing, warehousing and shipping.

Responsible Manager and/or Environmental Health and Safety Manager is responsible for:

• Determining special storage requirements
• Creating reference procedures
• Controlling access to secure storage areas

Handler is responsible for:

• Implementing standard and special storage procedures

Definitions

“Handler” means the person who arranges product for delivery or receives, manufactures, moves, stores or packages the product.

“Responsible Manager” means the individual directly responsible for ensuring a high-quality organisation by complying with policies or procedures.

Procedure

Storage – General

(a)        Standard warehousing storage conditions shall be considered acceptable unless special storage is required.

(b)        Storage through manufacturing and warehousing shall:

a.        Preserve lot integrity

b.        Prevent mix-ups

c.        Protect from damage and/or deterioration

d.        Prevent contamination or other adverse effects

e.        Prevent unauthorised release

(c)        Inventory shall be kept in a secure location that is locked when not in use.

(d)        For product that deteriorates over time, the product shall be stored to facilitate proper stock rotation.  Expiry dates for product shall be clearly marked.  In addition, the condition of the product in stock shall be assessed at appropriate intervals.

(e)        Where possible, labelling in storage areas shall identify the contents and any relevant physical characteristics (e.g., expiry date, temperature limits).

(f)        If storage areas other than designated areas (warehouse, laboratory and manufacturing area) are used, the Responsible Manager shall designate these areas and specify any limitations and/or restrictions on storage.

Special Storage

(a)        Special storage procedures shall be used as determined by the responsible manager.

(b)        Special storage procedures shall be prepared and implemented for storing materials that are biological, radioactive, explosive, flammable, highly pressurised, corrosive or reactive.

(c)        Proper training shall be implemented, as required, when following special storage procedures, to ensure a safe level of storage.

(d)        Special handling and storage may be required for temperature-sensitive materials and product.  Heat-sensitive items under temperature control shall be monitored as required.

Chemical Storage

       No hazardous substance shall be introduced to the workplace unless all of the requirements of the "Chemcials and hazardous Substances" procedure have been reviewed and implemented. Once complete these chemicals must be stored as follows:

When keeping chemicals in storage, the following precautions should be observed:

(a)                The quantities of hazardous chemicals shall be kept to a minimum,

       commensurate with their usage and shelf life. Some chemicals degrade in

       storage and can become more hazardous e.g. chloroform can produce

       phosgene from prolonged storage. Such chemicals shall be identified and

       managed appropriately.

(b)        Ensure chemical containers and their seals or stoppers are appropriate for the

       type and quantity of chemical stored. As far as is practicable, chemicals should

       be stored in the containers in which they are supplied.

(c)        Containers that have held hazardous chemicals shall be treated as full, unless

       the receptacle or package has been rendered free from hazardous chemicals.

(d)        All packages in storage shall be labeled to allow unmistakable identification of

       the contents. All labels should comply with the relevant regulations.

(e)        Storage of chemicals, including wastes, shall be based on the properties and

       mutual reactivities of the chemicals. Incompatible chemicals shall not be stored

       together. Separate spill catchments shall also be provided for each incompatible liquid.

(f)        Opening of packages, transferring of contents, dispensing of chemicals or

       sampling shall not be conducted in or on top of a cabinet or a cupboard for

       storing chemicals unless it is specifically designed for this purpose and

       appropriate procedures and equipment are used.

(g)        Packages shall be inspected regularly to ensure their integrity. Leaking or

       damaged packages shall be removed to a safe area for repacking or disposal.

       Labels shall be reattached or replaced, as necessary, to clearly identify the

       contents of the package.

(h)        Where flammable vapours or combustible dusts may be present as part of

       normal or abnormal operations, the areas shall be classified in accordance with

       AS2430.1. The relevant requirements concerning avoidance of ignition

       sources shall be complied with in situations other than those where the ignition

       source is controlled and is necessary for experimental purposes, such as the

       use of a Bunsen burner. Electrical equipment shall comply with AS 3000 if

       installed or other appropriate standards if portable. Contact the Electrical

       Safety Officer at the OH&S Unit to arrange a hazard zone assessment.

(i)                Procedures shall be established to deal with clean up and safe disposal of

       spillages. Supplies and materials needed to control the spillages shall be

       readily accessible.

(j)                Substances which are unstable at ambient temperature shall be kept in a

       controlled temperature environment set to maintain an appropriate temperature

       range. Reliable alternative safety measures shall be provided for situations

       when utilities, such as power, fail. Substances that can present additional

       hazards on heating shall be clearly identified.

(k)                Sunlight can affect some plastic containers or the chemical contents.

       Containers or chemicals that can be affected shall not be stored in a laboratory

       where they can be exposed to direct sunlight.

(l)                Regularly review the chemicals held in storage and correctly dispose of those

       no longer required using the University chemical waste procedures

Date published: 25/07/2013

* -25/07/2013 12:27:06 PM