SOP for Handling and Storage of Volatile Raw Materials – V 2.0
Standard Operating Procedure for Handling and Storage of Volatile Raw Materials
Department |
Warehouse / Quality Assurance |
SOP No. |
SOP/RM/112/2025 |
Supersedes |
SOP/RM/112/2022 |
Page No. |
Page 1 of 15 |
Issue Date |
12/02/2025 |
Effective Date |
16/02/2025 |
Review Date |
12/02/2026 |
1. Purpose
This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) outlines the correct procedures for the handling and storage of volatile raw materials to prevent safety hazards, contamination, and ensure compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
2. Scope
This SOP applies to all volatile raw materials, including organic solvents, chemicals, and reagents, stored and handled within the warehouse and production areas.
3. Responsibilities
- Warehouse Personnel: Ensure proper storage, labeling, and handling of volatile materials, and regularly monitor environmental conditions.
- Quality Assurance (QA): Conduct audits and ensure all volatile material handling complies with safety and regulatory standards.
- Warehouse Manager: Oversee storage operations, ensure the functionality of ventilation systems, and provide training on handling protocols.
4. Accountability
The Warehouse Manager is accountable for the safe storage and handling of volatile materials, while the QA Manager is responsible for ensuring compliance with regulatory and safety standards.
5. Procedure
5.1 Identification and Classification of Volatile Materials
- Material Identification:
- Identify volatile materials from supplier documentation such as the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) and Certificate of Analysis (COA).
- Label all volatile materials clearly with hazard symbols, handling precautions, and storage instructions.
- Document identification details in the Volatile Material Identification Log (Annexure-1).
5.2 Storage Requirements for Volatile Materials
- Ventilated and Explosion-Proof Storage:
- Store volatile materials in explosion-proof storage cabinets or dedicated, well-ventilated rooms with flameproof lighting and electrical fittings.
- Segregate incompatible materials (e.g., acids and bases) to prevent chemical reactions.
- Document storage details in the Volatile Material Storage Log (Annexure-2).
- Temperature Control:
- Maintain storage temperatures as specified in the MSDS, usually between 15°C and 25°C, unless otherwise stated.
- Document temperature readings in the Temperature Monitoring Log (Annexure-3).
5.3 Handling of Volatile Materials
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Ensure the use of appropriate PPE, including gloves, safety goggles, flame-resistant clothing, and respirators if required.
- Document PPE checks and issuance in the PPE Usage Log (Annexure-4).
- Safe Handling Practices:
- Handle materials in designated areas with appropriate ventilation, such as fume hoods or extraction systems.
- Ensure all containers are tightly sealed immediately after use to prevent vapor release.
- Document material handling activities in the Material Handling Log (Annexure-5).
5.4 Monitoring and Documentation
- Environmental Monitoring:
- Continuously monitor storage areas for volatile vapor concentrations using gas detectors or sensors.
- Inspect ventilation systems regularly to ensure functionality.
- Document monitoring results in the Environmental Monitoring Log (Annexure-6).
- Calibration of Monitoring Devices:
- Calibrate gas detectors and environmental monitoring devices at regular intervals per manufacturer guidelines.
- Document calibration activities in the Calibration Log (Annexure-7).
5.5 Handling of Deviations and Spills
- Deviation Detection:
- Identify deviations in vapor levels, temperature, or storage conditions through continuous monitoring.
- Immediately isolate affected areas, evacuate personnel if needed, and initiate corrective actions.
- Document deviations in the Deviation Log (Annexure-8).
- Spill Response Procedure:
- In the event of a spill, follow the emergency response protocol, including using spill kits and notifying the safety team.
- Ventilate the area immediately and dispose of contaminated materials according to hazardous waste protocols.
- Document spill responses in the Spill Response Log (Annexure-9).
5.6 Periodic Review and Compliance Monitoring
- Warehouse Inspections:
- Conduct routine inspections to ensure compliance with safety protocols and proper storage of volatile materials.
- Document inspection results in the Warehouse Inspection Log (Annexure-10).
- QA Compliance Audits:
- QA will perform audits to ensure all handling and storage protocols for volatile materials comply with regulatory requirements.
- Document audit findings in the Compliance Audit Log (Annexure-11).
6. Abbreviations
- SOP: Standard Operating Procedure
- GMP: Good Manufacturing Practice
- QA: Quality Assurance
- MSDS: Material Safety Data Sheet
- COA: Certificate of Analysis
- PPE: Personal Protective Equipment
7. Documents
- Volatile Material Identification Log (Annexure-1)
- Volatile Material Storage Log (Annexure-2)
- Temperature Monitoring Log (Annexure-3)
- PPE Usage Log (Annexure-4)
- Material Handling Log (Annexure-5)
- Environmental Monitoring Log (Annexure-6)
- Calibration Log (Annexure-7)
- Deviation Log (Annexure-8)
- Spill Response Log (Annexure-9)
- Warehouse Inspection Log (Annexure-10)
- Compliance Audit Log (Annexure-11)
8. References
- 21 CFR Part 211 – Current Good Manufacturing Practice for Finished Pharmaceuticals
- ICH Q7 – Good Manufacturing Practice for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients
- OSHA Standards for Hazardous Chemical Handling
- WHO GMP Guidelines
9. SOP Version
Version: 2.0
10. Approval Section
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11. Annexures
Annexure-1: Volatile Material Identification Log
Date |
Material Name |
Batch Number |
Hazard Classification |
Identified By |
12/02/2025 |
Acetone |
AC-2025-001 |
Flammable Liquid |
Ravi Kumar |
Annexure-2: Volatile Material Storage Log
Date |
Material Name |
Batch Number |
Storage Area |
Stored By |
12/02/2025 |
Acetone |
AC-2025-001 |
Explosion-Proof Cabinet 1 |
Sunita Sharma |
Annexure-3: Temperature Monitoring Log
Date |
Storage Area |
Temperature (°C) |
Recorded By |
12/02/2025 |
Explosion-Proof Cabinet 1 |
20°C |
Ravi Kumar |
Annexure-4: PPE Usage Log
Date |
Material Handled |
PPE Used |
Issued By |
12/02/2025 |
Acetone |
Gloves, Goggles, Respirator |
Anjali Mehta |
Annexure-5: Material Handling Log
Date |
Material Name |
Batch Number |
Handling Activity |
Handled By |
12/02/2025 |
Acetone |
AC-2025-001 |
Transferred to QC Lab |
Sunita Sharma |
Annexure-6: Environmental Monitoring Log
Date |
Storage Area |
Vapor Concentration (ppm) |
Recorded By |
12/02/2025 |
Explosion-Proof Cabinet 1 |
5 ppm |
Ravi Kumar |
Annexure-7: Calibration Log
Date |
Device |
Calibration Status |
Calibrated By |
11/02/2025 |
Gas Detector 001 |
Calibrated |
Sunita Sharma |
Annexure-8: Deviation Log
Date |
Deviation |
Action Taken |
Reported By |
11/02/2025 |
Vapor concentration exceeded threshold |
Increased ventilation and isolated material |
Ravi Kumar |
Annexure-9: Spill Response Log
Date |
Material Spilled |
Spill Size |
Action Taken |
Handled By |
11/02/2025 |
Acetone |
500 ml |
Used spill kit, ventilated area |
Sunita Sharma |
Annexure-10: Warehouse Inspection Log
Date |
Area Inspected |
Inspector |
Findings |
Corrective Actions |
12/02/2025 |
Explosion-Proof Cabinet 1 |
Anjali Mehta |
No deviations found |
N/A |
Annexure-11: Compliance Audit Log
Date |
Audit Type |
Findings |
Corrective Actions |
Audited By |
13/02/2025 |
Volatile Material Storage 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 |
12/02/2025 |
2.0 |
Updated Handling and Storage Procedures |
Regulatory Compliance |
QA Head |