Standard Operating Procedure for Operation of Bottle and Cap Conveyors

1. Purpose

The purpose of this Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is to outline the procedure for the proper operation of bottle and cap conveyors in pharmaceutical manufacturing. This ensures the efficient and safe transportation of bottles and caps while maintaining compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).

2. Scope

This SOP applies to all personnel involved in the operation of bottle and cap conveyors within the pharmaceutical manufacturing facility.

3. Responsibilities

• Conveyor Operator: Responsible for following the procedures outlined in this SOP during conveyor operations.
• Supervisor: Oversees and verifies compliance with this SOP, including training and documentation.

4. Procedure

4.1. Pre-Operation Checks

1. Inspect the bottle and cap conveyors for any visible damage, misalignments, or defects. Report any issues to the supervisor.
2. Ensure that the conveyors are clean and free from any residues or contaminants from previous operations.
3. Verify that all necessary utilities (e.g., electricity, compressed air) are available and functioning properly.

4.2. Set-Up

1. Position the bottle and cap conveyors in the designated locations for operation, ensuring proper alignment.
2. Adjust conveyor speeds, guides, and other settings as needed to accommodate the size and type of bottles and caps to be transported.

4.3. Conveyor Operation

1. Start the conveyors according to the manufacturer’s instructions and the parameters specified in the batch record or production plan.
2. Feed bottles and caps onto the conveyors, ensuring proper orientation and spacing to prevent jams or blockages.
3. Monitor the conveyor operation closely to ensure the efficient and safe transportation of bottles and caps.
4. Check for any jams, misalignments, or conveyor stoppages and take corrective action as necessary.
5. Record any operational issues, stoppages, or deviations from the standard procedure.

4.4. Post-Operation Checks

1. Stop the conveyors when the transportation of bottles and caps is completed or as directed by the supervisor.
2. Perform visual inspections of the transported bottles and caps to ensure they are in good condition and have not been damaged during transportation.
3. Segregate and label any damaged or rejected items for further evaluation or disposal.

4.5. Cleaning and Maintenance

1. Clean the conveyors and associated equipment after use, following the cleaning procedure.
2. Perform routine maintenance as per the manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure the continued performance of the conveyors.

4.6. Documentation

Properly document all aspects of the conveyor operation, including pre-operation checks, settings, operational issues, and post-operation checks. Maintain records in a secure and accessible location for regulatory inspection.

5. Abbreviations

• GMP: Good Manufacturing Practices

6. Reference

[Insert any relevant references or standards applicable to the operation of bottle and cap conveyors in the pharmaceutical industry.]

7. SOP Version

This is version 1.0 of the “Operation of Bottle and Cap Conveyors SOP,” issued on [insert issuance date].