Standard Operating Procedure for Security Seal Control
Purpose
The purpose of this SOP is to establish guidelines for controlling and documenting the use of security seals on shipments in the pharmaceutical warehouse to prevent tampering, theft, and unauthorized access.
Scope
This SOP applies to all personnel involved in shipping, receiving, and handling shipments within the warehouse.
Responsibilities
- Warehouse Manager: Overall responsibility for implementing and enforcing security seal control procedures.
- Shipping and Receiving Personnel: Responsible for applying and verifying security seals on shipments and documenting seal information.
- Security Personnel: Responsible for monitoring the integrity of security seals and investigating any discrepancies or breaches.
- Quality Assurance: Responsible for auditing and verifying compliance with security seal control procedures.
Procedure
- Security Seal Application:
- Select appropriate security seals based on shipment size, type, and security requirements.
- Apply security seals to shipments at designated sealing points using standardized procedures to ensure proper application and sealing.
- Record seal numbers, types, and application details on shipping documents or seal logs for documentation purposes.
- Seal Verification:
- Inspect security seals upon receipt of shipments to ensure they are intact and have not been tampered with during transit.
- Document seal numbers and verify them against pre-recorded seal information to confirm authenticity and detect any discrepancies.
- Report any damaged or missing seals immediately to the appropriate personnel for investigation and corrective action.
- Seal Removal and Documentation:
- Remove security seals from shipments upon receipt or prior to dispatch using approved procedures and tools.
- Document seal removal activities, including seal numbers, removal dates, and reasons for removal, in shipping records or seal logs.
- Dispose of used or damaged seals properly and securely to prevent misuse or unauthorized reuse.
- Seal Control and Accountability:
- Maintain strict control and accountability over security seals throughout their lifecycle, from application to disposal.
- Store unused security seals in secure and controlled areas to prevent unauthorized access or tampering.
- Conduct regular audits and reconciliations of seal inventory to identify discrepancies and ensure accurate record-keeping.
Abbreviations
- SOP: Standard Operating Procedure
Documents
- Security Seal Log
- Shipping and Receiving Records
- Security Seal Inventory Report
- Security Seal Disposal Records
SOP Version
Version 1.0