Procedure
Chemical Safety and Correct PPE
SOP NumberSOP-CHM-001Draft
Process name
Chemical Safety and Correct PPE
SOP owner
Hygiene Manager
Author
Hygiene Team
Department
Hygiene
Issue date
—
Revision no.
0
Revision date
—
Next review
—
Review no.
1
Version
1.0
Applies to
All hygiene operatives & contractors
Sites
All Sites
Prepared by
Hygiene Team
Date prepared
Authorised by
Date authorised
Hazard class: critical chemical exposure can cause serious burns, eye damage, toxic gas injury or death.
1
Purpose & Scope
This procedure sets out how cleaning chemicals must be handled, diluted, applied and stored, and the PPE that must be worn, to protect the hygiene team. It applies to every task involving any cleaning or disinfection chemical and supports the product COSHH assessment and safety data sheet (SDS).
2
Key Points
Full chemical PPE: resistant overalls, gloves and a visor — not light waterproofs.
Never mix chemicals, and never exceed the recommended concentration.
3
The Rule
Golden ruleWear the correct chemical PPE at all times when handling, diluting, spraying or using any chemical — and never mix chemicals.
4
Hazards & What Can Go Wrong
- Chemical burns to skin and eyes
- Toxic chlorine gas inhalation — serious breathing injury or death
- Chloramine gas inhalation — severe lung damage or fatality
- Vapour/fume build-up in enclosed areas causing dizziness or poisoning
5
PPE Required
Chemical-resistant gloves (type specified by COSHH/SDS for each product)
Chemical goggles and/or full face shield
Chemical-resistant apron or protective suit as assessed
Respiratory protective equipment (RPE) where COSHH assessment requires
Gas monitor for confined-space or enclosed-area tasks where vapour risk is assessed
6
Safe System of Work
- Correct PPE must be worn at all times when handling, diluting, spraying, or using any chemical.
- Chemical-resistant overalls, jacket and trousers must be worn — this must be proper chemical-resistant PPE, not light waterproof clothing.
- Chemical-resistant gloves must be worn.
- A visor or face protection must be worn to protect the eyes and face from chemical splashes.
- Any additional PPE stated on the chemical instructions, risk assessment, or COSHH information must be worn.
- This PPE is required because cleaning chemicals can cause serious skin burns, eye damage, breathing irritation, or other injuries if they come into contact with the body.
- Using any chemical without the required PPE is prohibited.
- Chemicals must only be used at the recommended concentration.
- Chemicals must never be mixed unless specifically instructed and approved. Never mix chemicals such as a chlorinated foam cleaner or Sodium Hypochlorite with acid-based chemicals such as a limescale remover.
Never mix chemicalsMixing chlorine-based cleaners such as a chlorinated foam cleaner or Sodium Hypochlorite with acid-based products such as a limescale remover releases toxic chlorine gas, which can seriously injure or kill. If chemicals are accidentally mixed, evacuate, raise the alarm and do not re-enter.
7
In an Emergency / First Aid
- Eye splash: flood the eye immediately at the eye-wash station with clean water and continue for at least 15-20 minutes (follow the product safety data sheet); remove contact lenses if easy to do; get urgent medical advice; report.
- Skin contact: remove contaminated clothing; wash the affected area with clean water continuously, following the product SDS; get medical advice for any corrosive product; report.
- Inhalation (fumes/gas): move the casualty to fresh air without exposing rescuers; for any breathing difficulty or significant exposure call 999 immediately (chlorine/chloramine effects can worsen after exposure); follow SDS / poisons advice; report.
- Suspected chlorine/chloramine gas release: evacuate and raise the alarm; do NOT re-enter — re-entry only by trained emergency responders using suitable breathing apparatus (ordinary dust/vapour respirators are not sufficient); contact emergency services and H&S; treat as a serious incident.
8
Legal & References
- Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
- Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
- Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH)
- Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 on classification, labelling and packaging (CLP, assimilated)
- Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (as amended 2022)
Related: product COSHH assessments & SDS · CIC cards · site risk assessments. Legal references to be confirmed by a competent H&S advisor before issue.
9
Read & Understood
I confirm I have read and understood this Safe Operating Procedure, have had the chance to ask questions, and will follow it. I will stop and ask my supervisor if I am ever unsure.
| Name (print) | Signature | Date | Trainer/TL |
|---|---|---|---|
SOP SOP-CHM-001 · Chemical Safety and Correct PPEExample Foods Ltd · Controlled — uncontrolled when printedv1.0 · Rev 0