This Chemical Store Management & Spill Response SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) sets out how your team runs a dedicated bulk chemical store day to day and responds to a spill inside it. It covers segregating incompatible chemicals, bunding and spill trays, ventilation, signage, access control, keeping the SDS register current, stock rotation and expiry checks, and the first response to a spill. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
Who it's for
Manufacturers and factories with a chemical store
Farms and agricultural businesses
Pest control and pool service businesses
Commercial cleaning contractors with bulk stock
Warehouses and distribution centres
Councils and facility maintenance depots
Use it to
Train and induct workers in exactly how you expect the task to be done
Keep a clear reference at the machine, in the vehicle or on site
Record competency with the built-in sign-off
Show clients, insurers and auditors your safe work methods are written down
What this SOP covers
Fire or explosion from incompatible chemicals stored together or near ignition sources
Toxic gas when incompatible chemicals mix, such as acids and hypochlorites
Burns and skin or eye contact from leaking, damaged or corroded containers
Fumes or vapours from poor ventilation or an undetected leak
Slips on spilled liquid or contaminated absorbent
Spills reaching stormwater, drains or waterways
Manual handling injury moving drums, pails and containers
Unauthorised access leading to misuse, theft or exposure
What's included
8 pre-operational checks, from SDS locations and signage to container condition, bunding, ventilation, spill kit and access control
An 11-step operating procedure covering storage by hazard class, segregation, keeping chemicals off the ground, the SDS register, stock rotation and disposal of unwanted chemicals
Isolation and energy control for ventilation fans, leaking valves, powered storage cabinets and forklifts moving stock
6 shutdown, housekeeping and post-operation steps
Spill response steps covering containment, matched absorbents, evacuation, emergency services and contaminated waste disposal
PPE checklist and a list of related documents
Competency acknowledgement and worker sign-off
Space for your logo, SOP number, version and review dates
Why use this template
Saves hours compared with writing an SOP from a blank page
Written as clear, numbered steps that workers can follow on the job
Fully editable, so you can match it to your equipment, site and how your team works
The competency sign-off gives you a training record from day one
How it works
Buy online and download straight away. You'll also get an email with your link.
Add your logo, company name, SOP number and dates.
Check it suits your equipment and site, and edit anything you need to.
Train your workers and have them sign the competency acknowledgement.
Need more than one SOP?
This SOP is also included in the Ultimate Manufacturing & Industrial SOP Bundle. At $197 for the whole bundle, it works out much cheaper than buying SOPs one at a time.
Common questions
Does it include what to do if there's a spill?
Yes. It covers the initial response to a spill in the store: who can respond, PPE, containing the spill with bunding and absorbents, when to evacuate and call emergency services, and disposing of contaminated waste.
Does it cover diluting chemicals or carrying them in vehicles?
No. Point-of-use dilution and mixing is covered by the Chemical Dilution and Dispensing SOP, and vehicle transport by the Chemical Transport and Vehicle Storage SOP.
Can anyone clean up a spill?
No. Workers only contain or clean up a spill if they are trained in spill response for that chemical and it is safe to do so. Otherwise they move away and raise the alarm.
Can I change it?
Yes. It's a Microsoft Word file, so you can add, remove or change any step, check or hazard, and add your own logo and details.
Does it suit my state?
Yes. It's written to the model WHS laws and suits all states and territories, including Victoria under the OHS Act and Regulations.
What if it doesn't suit my work?
You're covered by our 30-day money-back guarantee if it isn't fit for purpose.
