OSHA Chemical Storage and Handling Audit Checklist

A comprehensive checklist for auditing chemical storage and handling practices in facilities to ensure compliance with OSHA standards and enhance safety in managing chemical inventories.

OSHA Chemical Storage and Handling Audit Checklist
by: audit-now
4.5

Get Template

About This Checklist

Proper storage and handling of chemicals are crucial for maintaining safety and preventing accidents in the chemical industry. This OSHA Chemical Storage and Handling Audit Checklist is designed to ensure compliance with various OSHA standards related to chemical storage, including Flammable Liquids (29 CFR 1910.106) and Hazardous Materials (29 CFR 1910.101-106). By evaluating key areas such as storage compatibility, containment systems, ventilation, labeling, and handling procedures, this checklist helps identify potential hazards, improve storage practices, and enhance overall chemical safety in facilities. Effective chemical storage and handling are essential for preventing spills, fires, explosions, and exposure incidents.

Learn more

Industry

Chemicals

Standard

OSHA standards including Flammable Liquids (29 CFR 1910.106) and Hazardous Materials (29 CFR 1910.101-106)

Workspaces

Chemical storage areas
warehouses
and production facilities

Occupations

Chemical Safety Officer
Environmental Health and Safety Manager
Warehouse Manager
Chemical Inventory Specialist
Hazardous Materials Technician

Chemical Storage and Handling Practices Audit

(0 / 5)

1
Is there a system for assessing chemical compatibility?

Select compatibility assessment status.

Understanding chemical compatibility prevents dangerous reactions.
2
Are spill prevention measures in place?

Indicate whether spill prevention measures are implemented.

Spill prevention is critical for safety and environmental compliance.
3
What is the ventilation rate in the storage area?

Enter the ventilation rate in cubic feet per minute (CFM).

Adequate ventilation is crucial for preventing the accumulation of flammable vapors.
Min: 10
Target: 15
Max: 50
4
Are all chemicals properly labeled?

Please provide details on labeling compliance.

Proper labeling is essential for safety and identification of hazardous materials.
5
Is the chemical storage area compliant with OSHA standards?

Select compliance status.

To ensure that the storage area meets safety regulations and prevents hazards.
6
Please provide details of safety training records for staff handling chemicals.

Include information on training frequency, content, and staff participation.

Safety training is essential to ensure staff are adequately prepared to handle chemicals safely.
Write something awesome...
7
Is there an emergency response plan available for chemical spills?

Indicate whether an emergency response plan is available.

Having an emergency response plan is vital for quick action during incidents.
8
What is the maximum storage capacity of the chemical storage area?

Enter the maximum storage capacity in gallons.

Understanding capacity is important for maintaining safe storage practices.
Min: 100
Target: 500
Max: 1000
9
Are flammable liquids stored according to OSHA regulations?

Select the compliance status for flammable liquid storage.

Proper storage of flammable liquids is crucial to prevent fire hazards.
10
Is there an up-to-date inventory of all hazardous materials?

Please describe the inventory management practices.

Maintaining an accurate inventory is essential for safety and regulatory compliance.
11
Describe the procedures for reporting chemical incidents.

Provide a detailed description of the incident reporting process.

Clear reporting procedures are vital for effective incident management and prevention.
Write something awesome...
12
Are safety signs and labels present in the chemical storage area?

Please describe the type and condition of safety signage present.

Proper signage helps in promoting awareness and safety around hazardous materials.
13
Is personal protective equipment (PPE) readily available for employees?

Indicate whether PPE is available for employees.

Access to PPE is essential for the safety of employees working with chemicals.
14
How many safety equipment items are available in the storage area?

Enter the total number of safety equipment items available.

Ensuring sufficient safety equipment is necessary to handle emergencies effectively.
Min: 5
Target: 10
Max: 50
15
Is chemical waste disposed of in accordance with regulations?

Select the disposal compliance status.

Proper disposal of chemical waste is critical for environmental safety and compliance.
16
Describe the training provided to employees on safe chemical handling practices.

Provide details on the training curriculum and frequency.

Training is vital to ensure employees understand the risks and how to handle chemicals safely.
Write something awesome...
17
Are regular safety drills conducted for chemical spills and emergencies?

Indicate if safety drills are performed regularly.

Conducting safety drills prepares employees for effective response in emergencies.
18
How many emergency showers and eye wash stations are available in the facility?

Enter the total number of emergency showers and eye wash stations.

Emergency equipment is crucial for responding to chemical exposure incidents.
Min: 1
Target: 2
Max: 10
19
Is the chemical storage area secured against unauthorized access?

Select the security status of the storage area.

Securing the storage area is essential to prevent unauthorized handling of hazardous materials.
20
Are Safety Data Sheets (SDS) available for all chemicals in the storage area?

Please list the chemicals for which SDS are available.

SDS provide critical information on the hazards and safe handling of chemicals.
21
Describe the process for reviewing and updating the chemical safety policy.

Provide details on the review process and frequency.

Regular reviews of safety policies ensure they remain effective and relevant.
Write something awesome...
22
Is there a system for monitoring employee exposure to chemicals?

Indicate whether an exposure monitoring system is in place.

Monitoring exposure is crucial for the health and safety of employees.
23
How many chemical spill kits are available in the facility?

Enter the total number of chemical spill kits available.

Availability of spill kits is essential for immediate response to chemical spills.
Min: 2
Target: 5
Max: 20
24
Is there a maintained log of all chemical incidents and near misses?

Please describe the incident logging process.

Maintaining an incident log is vital for tracking safety performance and improving practices.
25
Is there a regular inspection schedule for the chemical storage area?

Select the frequency of inspections conducted.

Regular inspections help identify potential hazards and ensure compliance with safety regulations.

FAQs

The main objective is to assess compliance with OSHA standards related to chemical storage and handling, and to identify areas for improvement in storage practices to enhance safety in chemical facilities.

While OSHA doesn't specify a frequency, it's recommended to conduct these audits at least quarterly, with more frequent checks for high-risk or frequently changing storage areas.

Key elements include chemical compatibility and segregation, storage container integrity, secondary containment systems, ventilation adequacy, proper labeling and signage, handling procedures, and emergency response equipment for chemical storage areas.

The audit should be conducted by individuals with expertise in chemical safety, such as chemical safety officers, environmental health and safety managers, or qualified third-party auditors familiar with OSHA chemical storage regulations.

Audit results can identify improper storage practices, leading to improved chemical segregation, enhanced storage systems, updated handling procedures, and better-trained personnel, ultimately reducing the risk of chemical incidents and improving overall safety.

Benefits

Ensures compliance with OSHA standards for chemical storage and handling

Reduces the risk of chemical spills, fires, and explosions

Improves organization and management of chemical inventories

Enhances worker safety by minimizing exposure risks

Promotes proper segregation and compatibility of stored chemicals