SOP Guide for Pharma

SOP for Receiving Organic Solvents and Other Volatile Raw Materials – V 2.0

SOP for Receiving Organic Solvents and Other Volatile Raw Materials – V 2.0

Standard Operating Procedure for Receiving Organic Solvents and Other Volatile Raw Materials

Department Warehouse / Quality Assurance / Quality Control / Procurement
SOP No. SOP/RM/057/2025
Supersedes SOP/RM/057/2022
Page No. Page 1 of 15
Issue Date 01/02/2025
Effective Date 05/02/2025
Review Date 01/02/2026

1. Purpose

This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) defines the procedure for the safe and compliant receipt of organic solvents and other volatile raw materials. It ensures proper handling, inspection, documentation, and storage in compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and safety regulations.

2. Scope

This SOP applies to all organic solvents and volatile raw materials received at the facility, including but not limited to acetone, ethanol, methanol, and other flammable or hazardous chemicals. It covers receipt, inspection, storage, and documentation procedures.

3. Responsibilities

  • Warehouse Personnel: Inspect and verify solvent containers, handle according to safety procedures, and document receipt details.
  • Quality Assurance (QA): Review inspection reports and approve or reject materials based on safety and compliance criteria.
  • Quality Control (QC): Conduct additional testing if contamination or safety concerns are detected.
  • Procurement Department: Ensure suppliers comply with transportation and safety regulations, and resolve discrepancies.

4. Accountability

The Warehouse Manager is

responsible for ensuring safe receipt and handling of solvents and volatile materials. The QA Manager holds authority to approve or reject materials based on inspection outcomes, while the Procurement Manager ensures supplier compliance with regulatory requirements. The QC Manager oversees testing if contamination is suspected.

5. Procedure

5.1 Pre-Receipt Preparations

  1. Supplier Requirements:
    • Procurement ensures suppliers provide Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), Certificates of Analysis (CoA), and proper labeling.
    • Confirm that transportation complies with hazardous materials regulations, including the use of flameproof vehicles if required.
  2. Warehouse Preparations:
    • Designate a specific unloading area for volatile materials, equipped with ventilation and fire safety measures.
    • Ensure that spill control materials and personal protective equipment (PPE) are available.

5.2 Receipt and Inspection of Solvents

  1. Initial Visual Inspection:
    • Inspect containers for:
      • Signs of leakage, corrosion, or damage.
      • Proper labeling, including hazard symbols, batch numbers, and expiration dates.
      • Integrity of seals and closures.
    • Document findings in the Solvent Receipt Log (Annexure-1).
  2. Documentation Verification:
    • Verify accompanying documents (MSDS, CoA, transport documentation) against purchase orders and specifications.
    • Record verification results in the Documentation Compliance Log (Annexure-2).

5.3 Safe Handling and Storage

  1. Unloading Procedures:
    • Use forklifts or drum handlers designed for flammable materials.
    • Avoid any sparks, open flames, or heat sources in the unloading area.
  2. Storage Requirements:
    • Store solvents in flameproof storage cabinets or designated solvent storage rooms.
    • Ensure appropriate ventilation and maintain temperature controls as per MSDS recommendations.
    • Label storage areas clearly with hazard signs.
    • Document storage conditions in the Solvent Storage Log (Annexure-3).

5.4 Handling Discrepancies or Safety Concerns

  1. Identification of Issues:
    • If leaks, contamination, or labeling discrepancies are detected, segregate the material immediately.
    • Label as “UNDER REVIEW” and report to QA for further evaluation.
    • Document discrepancies in the Solvent Discrepancy Report (Annexure-4).
  2. Corrective Actions:
    • QA assesses safety and compliance risks and instructs further actions (e.g., QC testing, return to supplier).
    • Procurement contacts the supplier for corrective measures, including replacement or improved packaging.
    • Document all corrective actions in the Corrective Action Log (Annexure-5).

6. Abbreviations

  • SOP: Standard Operating Procedure
  • GMP: Good Manufacturing Practice
  • MSDS: Material Safety Data Sheet
  • CoA: Certificate of Analysis
  • QA: Quality Assurance
  • QC: Quality Control

7. Documents

  1. Solvent Receipt Log (Annexure-1)
  2. Documentation Compliance Log (Annexure-2)
  3. Solvent Storage Log (Annexure-3)
  4. Solvent Discrepancy Report (Annexure-4)
  5. Corrective Action Log (Annexure-5)

8. References

  • 21 CFR Part 211 – Current Good Manufacturing Practice for Finished Pharmaceuticals
  • ICH Q7 – Good Manufacturing Practice for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients
  • OSHA Hazard Communication Standard
  • EU Guidelines on Good Distribution Practices (GDP)

9. SOP Version

Version: 2.0

10. Approval Section

Prepared By Checked By Approved By
Signature
Date
Name
Designation
Department

11. Annexures

Annexure-1: Solvent Receipt Log

Date Solvent Name Batch Number Packaging Condition Labeling Correct Received By Remarks
01/02/2025 Acetone A-2025-001 Intact Yes John Doe Compliant
01/02/2025 Ethanol E-2025-002 Minor Leakage No Jane Smith Segregated for QA Review

Annexure-2: Documentation Compliance Log

Date Solvent Name Batch Number MSDS Provided CoA Provided PO Compliance Verified By Remarks
01/02/2025 Acetone A-2025-001 Yes Yes Yes John Doe All Documents Verified

Annexure-3: Solvent Storage Log

Date Solvent Name Batch Number Storage Location Temperature (°C) Inspected By Remarks
01/02/2025 Acetone A-2025-001 Flameproof Cabinet 25°C John Doe Compliant

Annexure-4: Solvent Discrepancy Report

Date Solvent Name Batch Number Discrepancy Description Reported By Corrective Action Status
01/02/2025 Ethanol E-2025-002 Minor Leakage Jane Smith Supplier Contacted, Replacement Requested Under Review

Annexure-5: Corrective Action Log

Date Supplier Name Solvent Name Batch Number Corrective Action Taken Follow-Up Required
02/02/2025 PharmaChem Ltd. Ethanol E-2025-002 Replaced Damaged Batch Yes

Revision History:

Revision Date Revision No. Revision Details Reason for Revision Approved By
01/01/2024 1.0 Initial Version New SOP QA Head
01/02/2025 2.0 Updated Handling and Safety Protocols Regulatory Compliance QA Head
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