SOP Guide for Pharma

Aerosol: SOP for Conducting Final Leak Tests Before Packing – V 2.0

Aerosol: SOP for Conducting Final Leak Tests Before Packing – V 2.0

SOP for Conducting Final Leak Tests Before Packing

Department Aerosol
SOP No. SOP/Aerosol/095/2025
Supersedes SOP/Aerosol/095/2022
Page No. Page 1 of Y
Issue Date 06/02/2025
Effective Date 16/02/2025
Review Date 06/02/2028

1. Purpose

This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) outlines the process for conducting final leak tests on aerosol cans before packing. The objective is to ensure that all aerosol products are free from leaks and meet the required safety standards before being packed for shipment. Conducting leak tests helps prevent potential safety hazards and ensures that the product maintains its integrity during transportation and storage.

2. Scope

This SOP applies to all aerosol cans manufactured at [Company Name]. It covers the final leak testing process before the aerosol cans are packed into secondary packaging materials. This procedure ensures that all cans are leak-free and safe for consumer use.

3. Responsibilities

  • Production Team: Responsible for preparing the aerosol cans for the final leak testing, ensuring that all cans are ready for testing before packing.
  • Leak Test Team: Responsible for performing the final leak tests on the aerosol cans, documenting the test results, and ensuring that all cans pass the required leak standards.
  • Quality Assurance (QA) Team: Responsible for verifying the leak test process, ensuring that the test is conducted properly, reviewing test results,
and approving the cans for packing.
  • Maintenance Team: Ensures that the leak testing equipment is calibrated, maintained, and functioning properly to guarantee accurate results.
  • 4. Accountability

    The Manufacturing Manager is accountable for ensuring that all aerosol cans undergo a proper final leak test before packing. The overall compliance with this SOP is overseen by the Quality Assurance (QA) Manager.

    5. Procedure

    5.1. Preparation for Leak Testing

    1. The Leak Test Team will prepare the aerosol cans for testing by ensuring that all cans have been sealed and are ready for the final leak test.
    2. The cans should be visually inspected to ensure there are no obvious defects such as dents, cracks, or improper sealing before they undergo the leak test.
    3. All leak testing equipment must be calibrated and inspected according to the equipment calibration schedule. The Leak Testing Equipment Log (Annexure-1) should be checked for the most recent calibration and maintenance records.

    5.2. Conducting the Leak Test

    1. The Leak Test Team will perform the final leak tests on a sample of aerosol cans. The tests should include:
      • Pressure test: The cans will be subjected to a specified pressure to check for any signs of leakage. This may be done using automated pressure testing machines.
      • Visual inspection: After pressure testing, the cans should be inspected for visible signs of leakage such as gas escaping or deformation.
      • Sound test: If applicable, a sound test may be performed by using an acoustic detector to identify any hissing sound caused by gas escaping from a can.
    2. Any cans failing the leak test should be segregated and the failure documented in the Leak Test Failure Log (Annexure-2). The cans should not proceed to the packing stage.
    3. If the failure rate exceeds acceptable levels, the testing procedure should be reviewed, and corrective actions should be taken as per the Corrective Action Log (Annexure-3).

    5.3. Post-Test Inspection and Documentation

    1. After testing, the Leak Test Team will perform a final inspection to ensure that all cans passing the leak test are properly labeled and free from any other defects. Cans passing the test will be approved for packing.
    2. All results of the leak test, including passed and failed cans, should be documented in the Leak Test Log (Annexure-4). This log should include details such as batch number, test date, operator name, and any corrective actions taken.
    3. The Leak Test Team should ensure that all documents are completed and signed before the cans are moved to the next stage of production.

    5.4. Approval for Packing

    1. Once the leak test has been completed and the cans have passed the test, the QA team will review the test results and approve the cans for packing. The cans will then be moved to the packaging area for secondary packaging.
    2. If any cans fail the leak test, the QA team will ensure that corrective actions are taken before further production continues. The non-compliant cans should be documented in the Deviation Log (Annexure-5).

    5.5. Documentation and Record Keeping

    1. All leak testing activities must be documented to ensure traceability and compliance. Documentation should include:
      • Leak Test Failure Log (Annexure-2)
      • Leak Test Log (Annexure-4)
      • Deviation Log (Annexure-5)
      • Corrective Action Log (Annexure-3)
    2. All records should be signed and dated by the personnel involved in the testing process. The records should be stored in the document management system for future reference and audits.
    3. Leak testing records must be retained for a minimum of 3 years or as required by regulatory guidelines.

    5.6. Reporting and Compliance

    1. If any issues or non-compliances are identified during the leak test, the Leak Test Team must report them to the QA Manager immediately. The QA team will ensure that the issue is investigated, and corrective actions are implemented if necessary.
    2. The QA team will review the leak testing process during internal audits to ensure ongoing compliance with GMP and regulatory standards.

    6. Abbreviations

    • GMP: Good Manufacturing Practice
    • QC: Quality Control
    • PPE: Personal Protective Equipment
    • SOP: Standard Operating Procedure
    • QA: Quality Assurance

    7. Documents

    1. Leak Testing Equipment Log (Annexure-1)
    2. Leak Test Failure Log (Annexure-2)
    3. Corrective Action Log (Annexure-3)
    4. Leak Test Log (Annexure-4)
    5. Deviation Log (Annexure-5)

    8. References

    This SOP is based on the following regulatory guidelines and industry standards:

    • Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Guidelines
    • FDA Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 21, Part 211
    • ISO 9001:2015 – Quality Management Systems

    9. SOP Version

    Version: 2.0

    10. Approval Section

    Prepared By Checked By Approved By
    Signature
    Date
    Name
    Designation
    Department

    11. Annexures

    Annexure-1: Leak Testing Equipment Log

    Equipment ID Calibration Date Maintenance Date Operator Name Remarks
    LE-001 05/02/2025 04/02/2025 Rajesh Patel Calibrated and ready for use

    Annexure-2: Leak Test Failure Log

    Batch Number Test Type Test Result Action Taken Responsible Person
    Batch-001 Pressure test Fail Replaced defective cans Rajesh Patel

    Annexure-3: Corrective Action Log

    Deviation ID Corrective Action Implementation Date Responsible Person Outcome
    DEV-12345 Re-calibrated leak testing equipment 07/02/2025 Rajesh Patel Completed, verified

    Annexure-4: Leak Test Log

    Batch Number Test Date Test Type Result Operator Name
    Batch-001 10/02/2025 Pressure test Pass Rajesh Patel

    Annexure-5: Deviation Log

    Deviation ID Deviation Description Corrective Action Responsible Person Status
    DEV-12345 Leaky valve Replaced valve on affected cans Rajesh Patel Completed

    12. Revision History:

    Revision Date Revision No. Revision Details Reason for Revision Approved By Page No. Ref. Point No. Details of Revision
    01/01/2024 V 1.0 Initial Release First Issue Anjali Sharma Page 1 [Ref Point] First Release
    01/01/2025 V 2.0 Updated leak testing procedure To comply with updated GMP regulations Anjali Sharma Page 1 [Ref Point] Updated procedures
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