SOP Guide for Pharma

SOP for Storage and Handling of Highly Potent Active Ingredients – V 2.0

SOP for Storage and Handling of Highly Potent Active Ingredients – V 2.0

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

  1. 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

  1. 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).
  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

  1. 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).
  2. 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

  1. 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).
  2. 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

  1. 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).
  2. 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

  1. HPAPI Identification Log (Annexure-1)
  2. HPAPI Storage Log (Annexure-2)
  3. Environmental Monitoring Log (Annexure-3)
  4. PPE Compliance Log (Annexure-4)
  5. HPAPI Handling Log (Annexure-5)
  6. Spill Incident Log (Annexure-6)
  7. Exposure Incident Log (Annexure-7)
  8. Record Retention Log (Annexure-8)
  9. 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
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