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SWP Hca

The document establishes guidelines for safely handling, storing, and disposing of hazardous chemicals. It outlines responsibilities, procedures for identification, storage, handling, emergency response, and training. The document provides a comprehensive approach to chemical safety in compliance with South African regulations.

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Ryno
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43 views5 pages

SWP Hca

The document establishes guidelines for safely handling, storing, and disposing of hazardous chemicals. It outlines responsibilities, procedures for identification, storage, handling, emergency response, and training. The document provides a comprehensive approach to chemical safety in compliance with South African regulations.

Uploaded by

Ryno
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Safety Work Procedure (SWP) for Handling

Hazardous Chemical Agents

Table of Contents:
1. Objective
2. Scope
3. Responsibilities
 3.1 Management
 3.2 Supervisors
 3.3 Employees
4. Procedure
 4.1 Identification and Labeling
 4.2 Storage
 4.3 Handling
 4.4 Disposal
 4.5 Emergency Procedures
 4.6 Training and Awareness
5. References
6. Revision History
Objective: To establish comprehensive guidelines for the safe handling, storage, and disposal of
hazardous chemical agents in accordance with the South African Occupational Health and Safety
(OHS) Act.
Scope: This SWP applies to all employees and contractors who handle hazardous chemical agents in
the workplace, including paints, primers, thinners, diesel, and similar substances.
Responsibilities:
1. Management:
 Allocate resources for the implementation of safe handling procedures.
 Ensure that all employees receive appropriate training on handling hazardous
chemical agents.
 Conduct regular inspections and audits to assess compliance and identify areas for
improvement.
2. Supervisors:
 Supervise and monitor all activities involving hazardous chemical agents.
 Provide clear instructions and guidance to employees on safe handling practices.
 Investigate and address any incidents or near-misses promptly.
3. Employees:
 Follow all safety procedures outlined in this SWP and report any hazards or concerns
to their supervisor.
 Attend training sessions on the safe handling of hazardous chemical agents.
 Use personal protective equipment (PPE) as instructed and maintain it in good
condition.
Procedure:
1. Identification and Labeling:
 All containers of hazardous chemical agents must be labeled with the product name,
hazard symbols, and relevant safety information.
 Ensure that Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are available for each chemical and
easily accessible to employees.
2. Storage:
 Store hazardous chemical agents in designated areas that are well-ventilated, secure,
and away from sources of ignition.
 Segregate incompatible substances to prevent reactions and store them in separate
areas.
 Use appropriate storage containers and shelving to prevent spills and leaks.
3. Handling:
 Before handling any hazardous chemical agent, assess the risks and ensure that
appropriate controls are in place.
 Wear suitable PPE, including gloves, goggles, aprons, and respiratory protection, as
required by the MSDS.
 Avoid direct skin contact and inhalation of fumes by using tools such as pumps or
pipettes for transferring chemicals.
 Clean up spills immediately using absorbent materials and dispose of contaminated
materials safely.
4. Disposal of Hazardous Chemical Waste:
4.1 Segregation and Labeling:
 Segregate hazardous chemical waste according to its compatibility and characteristics
to prevent reactions or hazards during storage and transportation.
 Ensure that all containers of hazardous waste are clearly labeled with the contents,
hazard symbols, and appropriate handling instructions.
4.2 Storage:
 Store hazardous chemical waste in designated areas that are secure, well-ventilated,
and equipped with secondary containment measures to prevent leaks or spills.
 Use compatible and appropriate storage containers for different types of hazardous
waste, such as drums, bins, or tanks.
4.3 Transportation:
 Transport hazardous chemical waste using approved containers and vehicles that are
suitable for the type and quantity of waste being transported.
 Ensure that all containers are securely sealed and labeled during transportation to
minimize the risk of leaks or spills.
4.4 Disposal Methods:
 Dispose of hazardous chemical waste through authorized waste management facilities
or contractors that are licensed to handle and treat such waste.
 Follow all relevant regulations and guidelines for the disposal of hazardous waste,
including any requirements for treatment, recycling, or landfilling.
4.5 Documentation:
 Maintain accurate records of all hazardous chemical waste generated, stored,
transported, and disposed of, including manifests, transfer notes, and disposal
certificates.
 Keep records for the minimum period required by regulatory authorities and make
them available for inspection upon request.

5. Emergency Procedures:
Response to Chemical Spills, Leaks, or Emergencies:

5.1 Initial Response:


In the event of a chemical spill, leak, or other emergency involving hazardous chemical
agents, immediately alert all personnel in the area and evacuate if necessary.
If safe to do so, contain the spill by using appropriate containment measures, such as
absorbent materials, barriers, or diking, to prevent it from spreading further.
5.2 Notification:
Notify the designated emergency response team, supervisor, or responsible personnel
immediately and provide details of the incident, including the type and quantity of chemicals
involved, and the location of the spill or leak.
5.3 Assessment:
Conduct a risk assessment to evaluate the hazards associated with the chemical spill or
release, including potential health effects, fire or explosion risks, and environmental impacts.
Implement appropriate control measures to mitigate risks to personnel, property, and the
environment, such as ventilation, containment, or isolation.
5.4 Cleanup and Decontamination:
Only trained and authorized personnel equipped with appropriate PPE should participate in
the cleanup and decontamination process.
Follow established procedures for the safe removal, containment, and disposal of
contaminated materials, including soil, water, or equipment.
5.5 Documentation and Reporting:
Document all aspects of the emergency response, including actions taken, materials used, and
any injuries or exposures that occurred.
Report the incident to relevant regulatory authorities, emergency response agencies, and
internal stakeholders as required by law or company policy.
5.6 Review and Follow-Up:
Conduct a post-incident review to identify lessons learned, root causes, and opportunities for
improvement in emergency preparedness and response.
Implement corrective actions or procedural changes based on the findings of the review to
prevent similar incidents in the future.
6. Training and Awareness:
 Provide initial and ongoing training to employees on the hazards associated with
hazardous chemical agents and the safe handling procedures outlined in this SWP.
 Conduct regular safety meetings to discuss best practices, lessons learned from
incidents, and updates to procedures.
 Encourage a culture of safety awareness and encourage employees to report any
concerns or suggestions for improvement.
References:
 South African Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act, Act 85 of 1993.
 Hazardous Chemical Substances Regulations, 1995 (Government Notice R1179).
Compiled By:
Ryno Mouton – HSE Officer
Date: 30/04/2024
Sign:____________________________

Reviewed By:
______________ - __________________
Date:
Sign:____________________________

Revision History:
 Version 1.0: 30/04/2024 - Initial draft.
 Version 1.1: [Date] - Revised to incorporate feedback and updates.

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