Standard Operating Procedure for Handling and Storage of Temperature-Sensitive Raw Materials
Department | Warehouse / Quality Assurance |
---|---|
SOP No. | SOP/RM/108/2025 |
Supersedes | SOP/RM/108/2022 |
Page No. | Page 1 of 15 |
Issue Date | 08/02/2025 |
Effective Date | 12/02/2025 |
Review Date | 08/02/2026 |
1. Purpose
This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) outlines the procedures for the proper handling and storage of temperature-sensitive raw materials to maintain their integrity, stability, and compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
2. Scope
This SOP applies to all temperature-sensitive raw materials, including Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), excipients, solvents, and reagents that require specific temperature conditions for storage and handling within the warehouse.
3. Responsibilities
- Warehouse Personnel: Handle and store temperature-sensitive raw materials according to specified conditions. Monitor and document temperature data.
- Quality Assurance (QA): Verify compliance with storage requirements, conduct periodic audits, and approve corrective actions if deviations occur.
- Warehouse Manager: Oversee storage operations, ensure proper functioning of temperature monitoring equipment, and address non-conformities.
4. Accountability
The Warehouse Manager is accountable for the proper storage and handling of temperature-sensitive materials. The QA Manager is responsible for verifying compliance with regulatory requirements through inspections and audits.
5. Procedure
5.1 Identification of Temperature-Sensitive Materials
- Material Identification:
- Identify temperature-sensitive raw materials from supplier documentation, such as the Certificate of Analysis (COA) and Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).
- Label temperature-sensitive materials with clear instructions, including specific temperature ranges.
- Document identification details in the Material Identification Log (Annexure-1).
5.2 Storage Requirements for Temperature-Sensitive Materials
- Temperature-Controlled Storage:
- Store materials in temperature-controlled rooms, refrigerators (2°C to 8°C), or freezers (-20°C or as specified).
- Ensure temperature monitoring devices are calibrated and functioning properly.
- Document storage conditions in the Storage Condition Log (Annexure-2).
- Segregation and Labeling:
- Segregate temperature-sensitive materials from non-sensitive ones to prevent cross-contamination.
- Label storage areas and containers with appropriate temperature requirements.
- Document labeling activities in the Labeling Log (Annexure-3).
5.3 Temperature Monitoring and Documentation
- Continuous Monitoring:
- Monitor storage temperatures continuously using calibrated data loggers and alarms for deviations.
- Perform manual temperature checks twice daily and compare with automated monitoring data.
- Record temperature data in the Temperature Monitoring Log (Annexure-4).
- Calibration of Monitoring Devices:
- Calibrate temperature monitoring devices at specified intervals as per manufacturer recommendations.
- Document calibration activities in the Calibration Log (Annexure-5).
5.4 Handling of Temperature Deviations
- Deviation Detection:
- If a deviation in temperature is detected, immediately investigate the cause and take corrective actions.
- Isolate affected materials and assess potential quality impact.
- Document deviations in the Deviation Log (Annexure-6).
- Corrective Actions:
- Transfer materials to backup storage if necessary while the issue is being resolved.
- QA will evaluate whether the deviation has compromised the material’s integrity and decide on further actions.
- Record corrective actions in the Corrective Action Log (Annexure-7).
5.5 Transportation of Temperature-Sensitive Materials
- Transport Requirements:
- Use validated cold chain transport systems for moving temperature-sensitive materials within and outside the facility.
- Ensure materials are packed in insulated containers with temperature loggers to maintain specified conditions during transit.
- Document transportation conditions in the Transportation Log (Annexure-8).
5.6 Periodic Review and Compliance Monitoring
- Warehouse Inspections:
- Conduct periodic inspections to verify proper handling and storage of temperature-sensitive materials.
- Document inspection findings in the Warehouse Inspection Log (Annexure-9).
- QA Compliance Audits:
- QA will perform audits to ensure compliance with storage protocols for temperature-sensitive materials.
- Document audit findings in the Compliance Audit Log (Annexure-10).
6. Abbreviations
- SOP: Standard Operating Procedure
- GMP: Good Manufacturing Practice
- QA: Quality Assurance
- COA: Certificate of Analysis
- MSDS: Material Safety Data Sheet
7. Documents
- Material Identification Log (Annexure-1)
- Storage Condition Log (Annexure-2)
- Labeling Log (Annexure-3)
- Temperature Monitoring Log (Annexure-4)
- Calibration Log (Annexure-5)
- Deviation Log (Annexure-6)
- Corrective Action Log (Annexure-7)
- Transportation Log (Annexure-8)
- Warehouse Inspection Log (Annexure-9)
- Compliance Audit Log (Annexure-10)
8. References
- 21 CFR Part 211 – Current Good Manufacturing Practice for Finished Pharmaceuticals
- ICH Q7 – Good Manufacturing Practice for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients
- WHO GMP Guidelines
9. SOP Version
Version: 2.0
10. Approval Section
Prepared By | Checked By | Approved By | |
---|---|---|---|
Signature | |||
Date | |||
Name | |||
Designation | |||
Department |
11. Annexures
Annexure-1: Material Identification Log
Date | Material Name | Batch Number | Temperature Requirement | Identified By |
---|---|---|---|---|
08/02/2025 | API-X | API-X-2025-001 | 2°C to 8°C | Ravi Kumar |
Annexure-2: Storage Condition Log
Date | Storage Area | Temperature (°C) | Humidity (%) | Recorded By |
---|---|---|---|---|
08/02/2025 | Refrigerated Room 1 | 4°C | 45% | Sunita Sharma |
Annexure-3: Labeling Log
Date | Material Name | Batch Number | Label Details | Labeled By |
---|---|---|---|---|
08/02/2025 | API-X | API-X-2025-001 | Store at 2°C to 8°C | Anjali Mehta |
Annexure-4: Temperature Monitoring Log
Date | Storage Area | Temperature (°C) | Recorded By |
---|---|---|---|
08/02/2025 | Refrigerated Room 1 | 4°C | Ravi Kumar |
Annexure-5: Calibration Log
Date | Device | Calibration Status | Calibrated By |
---|---|---|---|
07/02/2025 | Temperature Sensor 001 | Calibrated | Sunita Sharma |
Annexure-6: Deviation Log
Date | Deviation | Action Taken | Reported By |
---|---|---|---|
07/02/2025 | Temperature exceeded 8°C | Transferred materials to backup storage | Ravi Kumar |
Annexure-7: Corrective Action Log
Date | Issue | Corrective Action | Performed By |
---|---|---|---|
07/02/2025 | Temperature deviation detected | Repaired refrigeration unit | Sunita Sharma |
Annexure-8: Transportation Log
Date | Material Name | Batch Number | Transport Condition | Transported By |
---|---|---|---|---|
08/02/2025 | API-X | API-X-2025-001 | Maintained at 4°C | Anjali Mehta |
Annexure-9: Warehouse Inspection Log
Date | Area Inspected | Inspector | Findings | Corrective Actions |
---|---|---|---|---|
08/02/2025 | Refrigerated Room 1 | Anjali Mehta | No deviations found | N/A |
Annexure-10: Compliance Audit Log
Date | Audit Type | Findings | Corrective Actions | Audited By |
---|---|---|---|---|
09/02/2025 | Temperature-Sensitive Material Compliance Audit | Compliant | N/A | Anjali Mehta |
Revision History:
Revision Date | Revision No. | Revision Details | Reason for Revision | Approved By |
---|---|---|---|---|
01/01/2024 | 1.0 | Initial Version | New SOP | QA Head |
08/02/2025 | 2.0 | Updated Storage and Handling Procedures | Regulatory Compliance | QA Head |