Chemical Safety Guidelines

General Safety Principles

Personal Protection

Always wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including safety goggles, chemical-resistant gloves, and protective clothing.

Ventilation

Ensure adequate ventilation in all areas where chemicals are handled, stored, or processed to prevent vapor accumulation.

Documentation

Maintain current Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all chemicals and ensure all personnel have access to this information.

Training

Ensure all personnel are properly trained in chemical handling procedures and emergency response protocols.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Eye and Face Protection

Safety Goggles: Chemical splash-resistant goggles meeting ANSI Z87.1 standards

Face Shields: Required when handling corrosive chemicals or during transfer operations

Emergency Eyewash: Must be accessible within 10 seconds of work area

Hand Protection

Chemical-Resistant Gloves: Select based on chemical compatibility (nitrile, neoprene, PVC)

Glove Inspection: Check for tears, degradation, or contamination before each use

Double Gloving: Required for highly hazardous materials

Respiratory Protection

Chemical Cartridge Respirators: For organic vapors and acid gases

Full-Face Respirators: When handling toxic chemicals with skin absorption risk

Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA): For emergency response situations

Body Protection

Chemical-Resistant Suits: Tyvek or PVC suits for splash protection

Lab Coats: Flame-resistant materials for laboratory work

Safety Footwear: Chemical-resistant boots with slip-resistant soles

Chemical-Specific Safety Protocols

Acids (Sulfuric, Nitric, Hydrochloric)

Handling: Always add acid to water, never water to acid. Use appropriate fume hoods.

Storage: Store in secondary containment with compatible materials away from bases.

PPE: Full face shield, acid-resistant gloves, chemical-resistant apron.

Emergency: Immediate water flush for skin contact. Neutralize spills with appropriate agents.

Caustic Materials (Sodium Hydroxide)

Handling: Prevent skin and eye contact. Use in well-ventilated areas.

Storage: Keep dry and away from acids. Use moisture-resistant containers.

PPE: Chemical goggles, neoprene gloves, protective clothing.

Emergency: Flush with copious water. Do not neutralize on skin or eyes.

Organic Solvents & Surfactants

Handling: Use explosion-proof equipment. Eliminate ignition sources.

Storage: Store in approved flammable liquid cabinets with proper grounding.

PPE: Organic vapor respirators, chemical-resistant gloves.

Emergency: Remove from heat sources. Use appropriate fire suppression agents.

Chemical Storage Safety for Indian Conditions

Chemical Segregation Requirements

Standards Compliance: Separate incompatible chemicals per IS 4209 standards

Acid-Base Separation: Maintain 6-meter minimum separation for acids and bases

Compatibility Charts: Use BIS-approved chemical compatibility charts

Oxidizer Storage: Store oxidizers away from organic compounds and flammables

Color Coding: Implement color-coded storage zones for different chemical classes

Monsoon & Tropical Climate Controls

Ventilation Systems: Enhanced ventilation systems for 80%+ humidity conditions

Dehumidification: Dehumidification for hygroscopic chemicals during monsoons

Flood Protection: Elevated storage platforms to prevent flood damage

Corrosion Resistance: Corrosion-resistant storage containers for coastal areas

Temperature Control: Temperature control: 15-35°C for most industrial chemicals

Weather Protection: Monsoon-proof roofing and drainage systems

Container Management & Indian Standards

BIS Standards: BIS-marked containers with bilingual safety labels

Secondary Containment: Secondary containment: 110% capacity per Factory Act guidelines

Monsoon Inspections: Weekly inspection during monsoon season

UV Protection: UV-resistant storage for outdoor temporary storage

Grounding Systems: Proper grounding systems for flammable chemical storage

Regional Safety Considerations

Earthquake Resistance: Earthquake-resistant storage for seismic zones (Gujarat, Delhi)

Cyclone Preparedness: Cyclone preparedness for coastal facilities

Heat Wave Protocols: Heat wave protocols for northern India (Apr-Jun)

Dust Storm Protection: Dust storm protection measures for western regions

Power Backup: Power backup systems for refrigerated storage

Emergency Response Procedures

Chemical Spills

Evacuation: Evacuate area and alert personnel

Identification: Identify the chemical and consult SDS

Spill Control: Use appropriate spill control materials

Containment: Contain spill to prevent spread

Cleanup: Clean up using proper PPE and procedures

Disposal: Dispose of cleanup materials properly

Chemical Fires

Alarm Activation: Activate fire alarm and evacuate

Emergency Services: Call emergency services immediately

Fire Suppression: Use appropriate fire suppression agents

Water Restriction: Do not use water on chemical fires unless specified

SDS Information: Provide SDS information to fire department

Personnel Accounting: Account for all personnel at assembly point

Chemical Exposure

Source Removal: Remove person from exposure source

Clothing Removal: Remove contaminated clothing

Flushing: Flush affected area with water (15+ minutes)

No Neutralization: Do not neutralize chemicals on skin

Medical Attention: Seek immediate medical attention

SDS Provision: Provide SDS to medical personnel

Regulatory Compliance

Indian Chemical Safety Standards

Factory Act 1948: Safety provisions for chemical workers

BIS Standards: BIS Standards for Chemical Storage and Handling

Hazardous Chemical Rules 1989: Manufacture, Storage and Import of Hazardous Chemical Rules

Emergency Response Rules 1996: Chemical Accidents Emergency Planning, Preparedness and Response Rules

Poison Act 1919: Poison Act and State Poison Rules

Environmental Compliance

Water Pollution Act 1974: Water Prevention and Control of Pollution Act

Air Pollution Act 1981: Air Prevention and Control of Pollution Act

Environment Protection Act 1986: Environment Protection Act

Hazardous Waste Rules 2016: Hazardous Waste Management Rules

SPCB Guidelines: State Pollution Control Board Guidelines

International Standards

GHS Labeling: Globally Harmonized System labeling

ISO 45001: Occupational Health and Safety

UN Model Regulations: UN Model Regulations for transport

IS 4209: Code of Practice for Storage of Petroleum Products

IS 875: Code of Practice for Design Loads for Buildings and Structures

Regional Climate Considerations

Monsoon Requirements: Monsoon season storage and ventilation requirements

Humidity Prevention: High humidity corrosion prevention measures

Tropical Storage: Temperature-controlled storage in tropical conditions

Coastal Preparedness: Cyclone and flood preparedness for coastal facilities

Heat Stress Prevention: Heat stress prevention protocols for workers

Safety Support & Resources

DRAVYOM Safety Team

Our technical safety experts are available to provide guidance on chemical handling, storage, and emergency procedures.

safety.dravyom@gmail.com

+91 81550 36757

24/7 Emergency Support Available

Emergency Contacts

DRAVYOM Emergency: +91 81550 36757

National Emergency Services: 112 (India)

Fire Emergency: 101

Medical Emergency: 108

Police Emergency: 100

Local Poison Control: Contact nearest medical facility