Chemical Handling & Storage

Purpose

Ensure Spartan Plumbing technicians handle, store, and dispose of chemicals safely, including drain cleaners, flux, solvents, pipe adhesives, and any other hazardous substances used on the job.

When to Use

• Using any chemical product on a job site (flux, solder paste, drain cleaner, pipe cement, primer)
• Transporting chemicals in your truck
• Cleaning up a chemical spill
• Any time you or a customer is exposed to a chemical

Procedure

Safe Handling

Read the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for any chemical before first use — they are in your truck binder and available digitally

Wear appropriate PPE: chemical-resistant gloves, safety glasses, and face shield when pouring or mixing

Never mix chemicals unless the SDS specifically allows it

Use chemicals in well-ventilated areas — open windows or set up a fan if indoors

Keep chemicals away from food, drinks, and personal items

Storage in Your Truck

Store all chemicals in their original labeled containers — never transfer to unmarked containers

Keep chemicals in a secondary containment bin to catch spills

Store upright and secured so they do not tip during driving

Keep drain cleaner and corrosive chemicals separate from other materials

Flammable products (primer, cement, fuel) must be stored away from heat sources and torches

Spill Response

Small spill (less than 1 gallon): don PPE, contain the spill with absorbent material, clean up, and dispose of contaminated materials properly

Large spill or unknown chemical: evacuate the area, ventilate if possible, call your supervisor

Chemical on skin: flush with water for at least 15 minutes, remove contaminated clothing

Chemical in eyes: flush with water for at least 15 minutes, seek medical attention

Report all significant spills to your supervisor and document in Slack

Important Notes

• Never pour chemicals down a customer's drain unless it is part of the prescribed job procedure
• Some customers are sensitive to chemical odors — inform them before using strong chemicals and ventilate
• Dispose of chemical containers properly — see Hazardous Waste Disposal Procedures
• If you are unsure about a chemical, check the SDS or call the manufacturer's hotline

Related SOPs

• SDS (Safety Data Sheets) Access & Use — finding and reading SDS documents
• Hazardous Waste Disposal Procedures — proper disposal
• PPE Requirements — chemical-specific PPE
• Soldering & Flux Safety — flux and solder chemical safety