03/03/2026
Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
Chemical & Lubricant Handling – Rapier Section
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(Accessories & Trims Manufacturer)
1. Document Control
Document Title: Chemical & Lubricant Handling SOP – Rapier Section
Document Code: HLI-SOP-RAP-CLH-01
Revision No.: ___
Effective Date: ___
Prepared By: ___
Reviewed By: ___
Approved By: ___
Department: Production / Maintenance – Rapier Section
Controlled Copy No.: ___
Reference Standards:
• ISO 9001:2015 – Quality Management System (Clauses 7.1.5, 7.5, 8.5, 8.7)
• ISO 14001:2015 – Environmental Management System (Clauses 6.1.2, 8.1, 8.2)
2. Purpose
To define a controlled and safe method for receiving, storing, issuing, using, transporting, and disposing of chemicals and lubricants used in the Rapier section, ensuring:
• Product quality is not affected by contamination or wrong chemical use
• Safe handling and spill prevention
• Environmental compliance (waste, emissions, leakage control)
• Traceable records and controlled operations
3. Scope
This SOP applies to all chemicals, oils, greases, cleaning agents, solvents, lubricants, and auxiliary materials used in:
• Rapier weaving machines
• Yarn preparation / sizing support (if applicable in rapier area)
• Machine cleaning and preventive maintenance
within the Rapier Section of Harnest Label Industries Ltd.
4. Responsibilities
Production Manager (Rapier):
• Ensure SOP implementation and resources
Maintenance Manager / In-charge:
• Ensure correct lubricant selection, safe application, and preventive maintenance compliance
Store In-charge (Chemical/Lubricant Store):
• Receive, label, store, issue materials with FIFO/FEFO and maintain records
Environmental Officer / EHS Officer:
• Monitor compliance, spill response readiness, waste disposal, and training
Quality Assurance (QA):
• Verify no contamination risk to product; monitor nonconformity related to chemicals/lubricants
Operators / Technicians:
• Use chemicals/lubricants as per SOP, wear PPE, report leaks/spills immediately
5. References
• HLI Quality Manual and Procedures
• HLI Environmental Manual and Procedures
• Chemical & Lubricant Approved List (AL)
• MSDS/SDS (Safety Data Sheets)
• Risk Assessment / Environmental Aspect-Impact Register
• Waste Management Procedure
• Emergency Preparedness & Response Procedure
• Calibration / Measurement Control Procedure (if applicable)
6. Definitions
• SDS/MSDS: Safety Data Sheet / Material Safety Data Sheet
• FEFO: First Expire, First Out
• FIFO: First In, First Out
• Spill: Unplanned release of chemical/oil to floor, drain, soil, or environment
• Hazardous Waste: Waste chemicals, oily rags, contaminated containers, solvent waste, etc.
7. Required PPE & Safety Equipment
PPE (mandatory as per risk level)
• Chemical-resistant gloves
• Safety goggles / face shield
• Mask/respirator (if fumes/solvents)
• Apron / coverall
• Safety shoes
Safety & Environmental Controls
• Spill kit (absorbent pads, sand, disposal bags)
• Secondary containment trays/bunds for drums
• Fire extinguisher (appropriate type)
• Eye wash station (near chemical handling)
• Ventilation/exhaust (where solvents used)
• Clearly labeled waste bins (oily waste / chemical waste)
8. Procedure
8.1 Approved Chemical/Lubricant List (Control)
1. Only chemicals/lubricants from the Approved List may be purchased and used.
2. Any new chemical/lubricant requires:
o SDS review by EHS
o Trial approval by Maintenance + QA (as relevant)
o Update of Approved List and training before use
3. Keep the latest Approved List available in Store and Rapier Section.
(ISO 9001 control of production inputs; ISO 14001 operational control)
8.2 Receiving & Inspection (Store)
1. Receive material with Purchase Order and Delivery Challan.
2. Check:
o Product name and grade
o Manufacturer and batch/lot no.
o Quantity
o Expiry date (if applicable)
o Container condition (no leakage/damage)
o Availability of SDS
3. If leakage/damage or mismatch occurs:
o Quarantine and label as HOLD
o Inform Store In-charge + EHS + QA/Maintenance
o Record in Nonconformance / Incident register
8.3 Labeling Requirements
Every container (original or decanted) must have:
• Material name
• Hazard symbols / warnings (as per SDS)
• Date received / date decanted
• Expiry date (if applicable)
• Responsible person initials
• Storage location code
No unlabeled container is allowed on the shop floor.
8.4 Storage & Segregation
1. Store chemicals/lubricants in a dedicated, ventilated area with restricted access.
2. Use secondary containment (bunds/trays) for drums and liquid containers.
3. Segregate incompatible materials (as per SDS), e.g.:
o Flammables away from ignition sources
o Acids away from alkalis
o Oxidizers away from oils/solvents
4. Apply FIFO/FEFO for issuing.
5. Keep floors clean, dry, and free from oil.
8.5 Issuing & Transportation to Rapier Section
1. Issue only against authorized requisition (Material Issue Slip / Maintenance Work Order).
2. Issue minimum required quantity to reduce shop-floor storage.
3. Transport using:
o sealed containers
o trolleys with spill trays (for liquids)
4. Avoid carrying open containers by hand.
8.6 Handling & Decanting (If Required)
1. Decant only in a designated area with drip tray and ventilation.
2. Use clean funnels/pumps; avoid mixing different lubricants.
3. Keep decanted containers closed when not in use.
4. Immediately clean drips and dispose waste properly.
8.7 Application of Lubricants on Rapier Machines
1. Use the correct lubricant type/grade for each machine point as per:
o Machine manual / lubrication chart
o Maintenance schedule
2. Use measured tools (oil can with nozzle, grease gun with correct cartridge).
3. Do not over-lubricate (prevents dripping and fabric/yarn contamination).
4. After lubrication:
o wipe excess oil/grease
o ensure no oil reaches yarn/label/tape path
5. Record lubrication activity in Machine Lubrication Log.
(ISO 9001 controlled production, prevention of contamination)
8.8 Use of Cleaning Chemicals / Solvents (If Applicable)
1. Use only approved cleaning agents.
2. Ensure adequate ventilation; avoid open flames.
3. Use lint-free cloths; never spray directly onto yarn/product.
4. Collect used cloth/rags in labeled Oily Waste Bin with lid.
8.9 Spill Prevention & Response (Emergency Preparedness)
If a spill/leak occurs:
1. Stop source if safe (close valve/upright container).
2. Barricade area and prevent entry.
3. Prevent chemical/oil from entering drains.
4. Use spill kit absorbents/sand to contain and collect.
5. Place collected waste into labeled hazardous waste bags/drums.
6. Report immediately to Supervisor + EHS.
7. Record incident and corrective actions.
(ISO 14001 Clause 8.2 Emergency Preparedness and Response)
8.10 Waste Handling & Disposal (Environmental Control)
1. Segregate waste:
o Empty chemical containers
o Used oil / waste lubricant
o Oily rags / absorbents
o Solvent waste (if any)
2. Label waste containers with:
o Waste type
o Generation date
o Section name
3. Store hazardous waste in designated area with secondary containment.
4. Dispose through approved, authorized vendor as per legal requirements.
5. Maintain Waste Disposal Record.
9. Quality Control & Nonconformity Control
• QA will monitor defects related to oil stains, contamination, wrong chemical use.
• Any product contamination due to chemical/lubricant must be:
1. Segregated and labeled NONCONFORMING
2. Logged in NCR
3. Root cause analysis performed (why contamination occurred)
4. Corrective action implemented and verified
(ISO 9001 Clauses 8.7 and 10.2)
10. Training & Competency
• All operators, technicians, and store personnel must receive training on:
o SDS understanding
o PPE use
o Spill response
o Correct lubricant application points
o Waste segregation
• Training records must be maintained and refreshed annually or upon new chemical introduction.
(ISO 9001 Clause 7.2, ISO 14001 Clause 7.2)
11. Records to be Maintained
• Approved Chemical/Lubricant List (current version)
• Receiving Inspection Record
• SDS/MSDS Register
• Chemical/Lubricant Stock Register
• Issue Register / Material Issue Slip
• Machine Lubrication Log
• Spill/Incident Report Register
• NCR Register (if quality impacted)
• Waste Disposal Record
• Training Attendance Record
Retention Period: ___ years (as per Record Control Procedure)
12. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
• Number of spills/leaks per month
• Chemical/lubricant consumption per machine/month
• Product oil-stain defect rate (%)
• Waste oil quantity and disposal compliance (%)
• Training completion rate (%)
13. Revision History
Revision Date Description of Change Approved By