5S for Chemical Storage: Quick Guide
Using 5S for chemical storage can boost your organization’s safety and ensure compliance with regulatory safety protocols. This quick guide teaches you how to do it correctly.
How Do You Apply 5S Principles to Chemical Storage?
5S provides a practical system for upgrading your chemical storage system in five steps.
1. Sort
Identify any chemicals, items, and documents you no longer need and properly dispose of them, including:
- Expired products
- Outdated documentation
- Documentation for chemicals you don’t use anymore
- Empty containers
- Irrelevant specialized protective personal equipment
Check whether floor signs, tape, and painted messages are still in good condition and match your company’s color-coding standards. Prepare to dispose of anything that doesn’t coordinate with your current plan.
2. Straighten (or Set in Order)
The straighten phase in 5S chemical storage means stocking products in a safe and organized way that makes them easily accessible. You can create your own system, as long as it complies with OSHA’s standards. For example, you may decide to organize chemicals by danger level, type, or location of use.
File and store Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) where they are easily accessible. Clearly mark SDS stations and storage cabinets and make sure nothing obstructs them. Remove all miscellaneous items from the work environment.
3. Shine
Clean the workspace thoroughly, including your signage and safety materials. You may need to replace worn-out floor markings or warnings that have faded, peeled, or become unreadable. Make sure that your new signs, tape, and materials are durable and withstand regular cleaning.
4. Standardize
Document your system for sorting, straightening, and shining the workspace. This manual should serve as guidelines for regular cleaning and maintenance. Make sure you clearly explain your system for labeling and color-coding chemicals and workstations.
5. Sustain
Regularly audit your 5S chemical storage program to find any inefficiencies or weaknesses in your process. Constantly solicit feedback and search for improvements. Schedule periodic training programs for the whole team and be sure to simplify complex concepts. Hands-on practice reading SDSs can be especially helpful.
What Are the OSHA Rules for Chemical Storage?
OSHA’s basic rules for chemical storage according to Section 1910.1200 are:
- Employers must provide employees with training and written plans before they work with chemicals.
- Chemicals must have an SDS with them.
- SDSs must be easily accessible.
Proper labeling is also essential. OSHA keeps its requirements consistent with the United Nations Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS).
Any organization that handles chemicals must be familiar with GHS labeling to meet international standards. These labels maintain consistency across nations and help eliminate the challenges of language barriers when dealing with safety.
GHS Labels and Signs
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What Are the Benefits of Using 5S in the Chemical Industry?
With 5S chemical storage, you improve safety by removing unnecessary dangers and clearly signaling unavoidable hazards. Proper storage reduces chemical exposure and accidents that result from a misplaced item.
Additionally, your company can increase its efficiency, reduce costs, enhance quality control, and reduce waste. The system ensures environmental and regulatory compliance and provides a system for continual improvement.
Safety cabinets like these store chemicals in a safe and organized way that makes them easily accessible.
Stay Safe and Compliant With 5S Chemical Storage Strategies and Materials
Applying 5S chemical storage practices is one of the best ways to ensure your team stays safe and compliant. For signage, 5S supplies, and tools that support this strategy, review the selection at ComplianceSigns.com: