SOP for Handling and Storage of Temperature-Sensitive Raw Materials – V 2.0
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
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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 |