Hazardous Material Safety Plan Template

Creating a Hazardous Material Safety plan should be as strong as the systems behind it, from the planning, execution, documentation all the way down to ensuring member of the company is on board in establishing safety. A hazardous material safety plan consists of several elements that define how the company handles hazardous material safety that generally includes its entry to the premises of the company, its use, and its disposal. These important elements are also what internal and external auditors review for its execution and maintenance. It is a directive that involves all stakeholders of the company, the employees who are using these materials, the activities it involves, storage, and how it is disposed of.

The following are the elements of a hazardous material safety plan:

• Hazard Communication
• Storage Compliance
• Emergency Response Plan
• Waste Disposal Compliance
• Training

Hazard Communication and Training

Communicating hazardous material risks is not just about verbally informing or regularly training operators. It is legally required, such as in the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), OSHA, and other standards, that there should be a written hazard communication program in place, the inventory is regularly updated and available, and there are clear and proper labels on every material. It communicates even to those that are not working in the area that the use of the material is a risk to safety. This is both for compliance and strengthens the safety of all those handling the hazardous material.

Storage Compliance

Poor storage of hazardous materials is a huge safety risk and is the leading cause of workplace accidents relating to hazardous materials All hazardous materials must be kept and stored properly in their designated storage location. Primarily, this is to avoid spills and accidental exposure due to poor storage conditions. Depending on the material, i.e., flammable liquids that pose specific hazards, they must be kept and stored in approved containers or cabinets. When required, there should be personal protective equipment (PPE) available around the storage area.

Emergency Response Plan

A clear emergency response plan is an integral part of hazardous material safety planning. It should cite the steps in case of accidents, and it should involve an emergency response team or trained personnel to lead in defining the safety measures, response, and identifying sources of potential accidents in handling hazardous materials. Additionally, there should be an established preventive maintenance program in the case of emergencies involving hazardous materials to assure safety.

Waste Disposal Compliance

Waste Disposal of hazardous materials are monitored also by local laws as it affects the community of the facility. Part of the safety plan is accurate labels for wastes to be disposed and there’s an accurate record of the waste disposed.

In summary, these areas are all elements of a hazardous material safety plan and are critical in controlling the hazard. When designing a safety plan, it is important to take time to plan and consider the tasks and the work activities involved before integrating these aspects. It’s all part of the check items as well during audits.