Standard Operating Procedure for Storage and Handling of Highly Potent Active Ingredients (HPAPIs)
Department | Warehouse / Quality Assurance / Safety Department |
---|---|
SOP No. | SOP/RM/142/2025 |
Supersedes | SOP/RM/142/2022 |
Page No. | Page 1 of 15 |
Issue Date | 11/03/2025 |
Effective Date | 18/03/2025 |
Review Date | 11/03/2026 |
1. Purpose
This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) outlines the guidelines for the safe storage and handling of Highly Potent Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (HPAPIs) to protect personnel, maintain product integrity, and comply with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and regulatory standards.
2. Scope
This SOP applies to all personnel involved in the storage, handling, and transportation of HPAPIs within the warehouse facility, including materials classified under high toxicity, high pharmacological activity, or those requiring containment procedures.
3. Responsibilities
- Warehouse Personnel: Follow safety procedures for handling HPAPIs and ensure proper documentation.
- Safety Officer: Provide training on HPAPI handling and monitor adherence to safety protocols.
- Warehouse Manager: Supervise the storage and ensure containment measures are followed.
- Quality Assurance (QA): Verify documentation and ensure compliance with GMP and safety guidelines.
4. Accountability
The Warehouse Manager and Safety Officer are accountable for the proper handling and storage of HPAPIs. The QA Manager is responsible for
ensuring compliance with GMP and regulatory standards through documentation review and audits.
5. Procedure
5.1 Identification and Classification of HPAPIs
- Initial Identification:
- Identify HPAPIs based on supplier-provided Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and classification criteria.
- Label HPAPIs with appropriate hazard symbols and ensure classification is updated regularly.
- Record the identification details in the HPAPI Identification Log (Annexure-1).
5.2 Storage Requirements
- Designated Storage Areas:
- Store HPAPIs in segregated, secure, and well-ventilated areas with controlled access.
- Ensure proper containment using double-sealed packaging and storage within dedicated cabinets or rooms.
- Document storage details in the HPAPI Storage Log (Annexure-2).
- Environmental Controls:
- Maintain specified temperature and humidity conditions as per SDS recommendations.
- Monitor environmental parameters continuously and document in the Environmental Monitoring Log (Annexure-3).
5.3 Handling Procedures
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Ensure all personnel handling HPAPIs wear appropriate PPE, including respirators, gloves, and protective clothing.
- Record PPE issuance and compliance in the PPE Compliance Log (Annexure-4).
- Safe Handling Practices:
- Use closed systems or containment devices when transferring or sampling HPAPIs.
- Avoid direct contact with HPAPIs and minimize exposure by following strict handling protocols.
- Document handling activities in the HPAPI Handling Log (Annexure-5).
5.4 Spill and Exposure Management
- Spill Containment:
- In case of spills, evacuate the area, use spill containment kits, and follow the emergency response procedure as outlined in the SDS.
- Dispose of contaminated materials as per hazardous waste disposal guidelines.
- Document spill incidents in the Spill Incident Log (Annexure-6).
- Exposure Response:
- Immediately report any exposure to HPAPIs, administer first aid, and seek medical attention as required.
- Record exposure incidents in the Exposure Incident Log (Annexure-7).
5.5 Documentation and Review
- Record-Keeping Requirements:
- Maintain all records related to HPAPI storage, handling, and safety incidents for at least five years.
- Ensure records are readily accessible for audits and regulatory inspections.
- Document record retention in the Record Retention Log (Annexure-8).
- Review and Continuous Improvement:
- Conduct quarterly reviews of HPAPI handling procedures and storage conditions.
- Document review outcomes and suggested improvements in the Management Review Log (Annexure-9).
6. Abbreviations
- SOP: Standard Operating Procedure
- GMP: Good Manufacturing Practice
- QA: Quality Assurance
- SDS: Safety Data Sheet
- PPE: Personal Protective Equipment
- HPAPI: Highly Potent Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient
7. Documents
- HPAPI Identification Log (Annexure-1)
- HPAPI Storage Log (Annexure-2)
- Environmental Monitoring Log (Annexure-3)
- PPE Compliance Log (Annexure-4)
- HPAPI Handling Log (Annexure-5)
- Spill Incident Log (Annexure-6)
- Exposure Incident Log (Annexure-7)
- Record Retention Log (Annexure-8)
- Management Review Log (Annexure-9)
8. References
- 21 CFR Part 211 – Current Good Manufacturing Practice for Finished Pharmaceuticals
- OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200)
- WHO GMP Guidelines
9. SOP Version
Version: 2.0
10. Approval Section
Prepared By | Checked By | Approved By | |
---|---|---|---|
Signature | |||
Date | |||
Name | |||
Designation | |||
Department |
11. Annexures
Annexure-1: HPAPI Identification Log
Date | HPAPI Name | Classification (Toxic/Highly Potent) | Batch Number | Identified By |
---|---|---|---|---|
11/03/2025 | Cytarabine | Highly Potent | CYT-2345 | Ravi Kumar |
Annexure-2: HPAPI Storage Log
Date | HPAPI Name | Batch Number | Storage Location | Storage Conditions | Stored By |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
11/03/2025 | Cytarabine | CYT-2345 | HPAPI Storage Cabinet A1 | Temperature: 2-8°C, Humidity: <50% | Ravi Kumar |
11/03/2025 | Paclitaxel | PCL-6789 | Controlled Access Room B2 | Temperature: 20-25°C, Ventilated | Neha Verma |
Annexure-3: Environmental Monitoring Log
Date | Storage Location | Temperature (°C) | Humidity (%) | Status | Checked By |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
11/03/2025 | HPAPI Storage Cabinet A1 | 4°C | 45% | Within Limits | Amit Joshi |
11/03/2025 | Controlled Access Room B2 | 23°C | 48% | Within Limits | Priya Singh |
Annexure-4: PPE Compliance Log
Date | Employee Name | HPAPI Handled | PPE Used | Compliance Status | Checked By |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
11/03/2025 | Neha Verma | Cytarabine | Respirator, Gloves, Safety Goggles | Compliant | Ravi Kumar |
11/03/2025 | Amit Joshi | Paclitaxel | Protective Suit, Face Shield, Gloves | Compliant | Priya Singh |
Annexure-5: HPAPI Handling Log
Date | HPAPI Name | Batch Number | Handling Procedure | Handled By | Verified By |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
11/03/2025 | Cytarabine | CYT-2345 | Transferred to cleanroom under containment hood | Neha Verma | Ravi Kumar |
11/03/2025 | Paclitaxel | PCL-6789 | Sampled for QC testing under fume hood | Amit Joshi | Priya Singh |
Annexure-6: Spill Incident Log
Date | HPAPI Name | Batch Number | Spill Description | Action Taken | Reported By |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
11/03/2025 | Paclitaxel | PCL-6789 | Minor spill during sampling | Evacuated area, cleaned with spill kit, disposed of waste | Amit Joshi |
11/03/2025 | Cytarabine | CYT-2345 | Container leakage detected | Contained leak, transferred to quarantine area | Neha Verma |
Annexure-7: Exposure Incident Log
Date | Employee Name | HPAPI Exposed To | Exposure Description | First Aid Provided | Reported By |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
11/03/2025 | Ravi Kumar | Cytarabine | Skin contact during transfer | Area washed thoroughly, no further symptoms observed | Neha Verma |
11/03/2025 | Amit Joshi | Paclitaxel | Inhalation exposure due to mask malfunction | Moved to fresh air, medical attention provided | Priya Singh |
Annexure-8: Record Retention Log
Date | Document Name | Retention Period | Stored By | Storage Location |
---|---|---|---|---|
11/03/2025 | HPAPI Handling Log | 5 Years | Priya Singh (QA) | Document Control Room A |
11/03/2025 | Spill Incident Log | 5 Years | Ravi Kumar | Document Control Room B |
Annexure-9: Management Review Log
Date | Review Type | Findings | Recommendations | Reviewed By |
---|---|---|---|---|
11/03/2025 | Quarterly Review | Increased spill incidents during HPAPI handling | Enhance staff training and improve containment equipment | Priya Singh (QA) |
11/03/2025 | Annual Review | Environmental controls effective, minor PPE compliance issues | Implement stricter PPE checks and monitoring | Ravi Kumar |
Revision History:
Revision Date | Revision No. | Revision Details | Reason for Revision | Approved By |
---|---|---|---|---|
01/01/2024 | 1.0 | Initial Version | New SOP Implementation | QA Head |
11/03/2025 | 2.0 | Updated HPAPI handling protocols and storage requirements | Compliance with revised GMP and safety guidelines | QA Head |