Standard Operating Procedure for Storage of Hygroscopic Raw Materials with Desiccants
Department | Warehouse / Quality Assurance |
---|---|
SOP No. | SOP/RM/110/2025 |
Supersedes | SOP/RM/110/2022 |
Page No. | Page 1 of 15 |
Issue Date | 10/02/2025 |
Effective Date | 14/02/2025 |
Review Date | 10/02/2026 |
1. Purpose
This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) outlines the procedures for the proper storage of hygroscopic raw materials using desiccants to prevent moisture absorption and ensure material integrity in compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
2. Scope
This SOP applies to all hygroscopic raw materials, including Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), excipients, and chemicals that require moisture protection within the warehouse.
3. Responsibilities
- Warehouse Personnel: Ensure hygroscopic materials are stored with appropriate desiccants and monitor environmental conditions regularly.
- Quality Assurance (QA): Verify compliance with storage conditions and conduct periodic audits.
- Warehouse Manager: Oversee storage operations, ensure proper handling of desiccants, and address any deviations.
4. Accountability
The Warehouse Manager is accountable for the proper storage of hygroscopic raw materials. The QA Manager is responsible for verifying compliance with regulatory requirements through inspections and audits.
5. Procedure
5.1 Identification and Classification of Hygroscopic Materials
- Material Identification:
- Identify hygroscopic
raw materials from supplier documentation such as the Certificate of Analysis (COA) and Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).
Label materials as “Hygroscopic – Store with Desiccants” to ensure proper handling.
Document identification details in the Hygroscopic Material Identification Log (Annexure-1).
5.2 Storage Requirements for Hygroscopic Materials
- Desiccant Usage:
- Place appropriate desiccants (e.g., silica gel, molecular sieves) inside the packaging of hygroscopic materials.
- Use sufficient desiccant quantity based on the material’s moisture sensitivity and storage volume.
- Replace desiccants periodically as per manufacturer recommendations.
- Document desiccant usage in the Desiccant Log (Annexure-2).
- Packaging and Sealing:
- Ensure hygroscopic materials are stored in airtight, moisture-resistant containers (e.g., HDPE drums, foil-lined bags).
- Seal containers tightly after each use to prevent moisture ingress.
- Document sealing activities in the Packaging and Sealing Log (Annexure-3).
5.3 Environmental Monitoring and Documentation
- Humidity Control:
- Store hygroscopic materials in controlled environments with relative humidity levels below 40%.
- Use dehumidifiers in storage areas and monitor humidity levels continuously using calibrated devices.
- Document humidity readings in the Humidity Monitoring Log (Annexure-4).
- Temperature Control:
- Maintain storage temperatures as specified in the COA or MSDS, typically between 15°C and 25°C.
- Monitor temperatures using calibrated thermometers and document readings in the Temperature Monitoring Log (Annexure-5).
5.4 Handling of Deviations in Storage Conditions
- Deviation Detection:
- Identify deviations in humidity or temperature through continuous monitoring systems or manual checks.
- Immediately isolate affected materials and assess potential quality impacts.
- Document deviations in the Deviation Log (Annexure-6).
- Corrective Actions:
- Transfer materials to alternative storage if required, and adjust environmental controls.
- QA will evaluate the material’s integrity and determine further actions.
- Document corrective actions in the Corrective Action Log (Annexure-7).
5.5 Desiccant Maintenance and Replacement
- Desiccant Monitoring:
- Inspect desiccants regularly for signs of saturation (e.g., color changes in silica gel).
- Replace desiccants as needed based on inspection results and manufacturer guidelines.
- Document desiccant replacement activities in the Desiccant Replacement Log (Annexure-8).
5.6 Periodic Review and Compliance Monitoring
- Warehouse Inspections:
- Conduct periodic inspections to verify proper storage of hygroscopic materials and desiccant usage.
- Document inspection findings in the Warehouse Inspection Log (Annexure-9).
- QA Compliance Audits:
- QA will perform audits to ensure compliance with storage protocols for hygroscopic materials.
- Document audit findings in the Compliance Audit Log (Annexure-10).
6. Abbreviations
- SOP: Standard Operating Procedure
- GMP: Good Manufacturing Practice
- QA: Quality Assurance
- COA: Certificate of Analysis
- MSDS: Material Safety Data Sheet
7. Documents
- Hygroscopic Material Identification Log (Annexure-1)
- Desiccant Log (Annexure-2)
- Packaging and Sealing Log (Annexure-3)
- Humidity Monitoring Log (Annexure-4)
- Temperature Monitoring Log (Annexure-5)
- Deviation Log (Annexure-6)
- Corrective Action Log (Annexure-7)
- Desiccant Replacement Log (Annexure-8)
- Warehouse Inspection Log (Annexure-9)
- Compliance Audit Log (Annexure-10)
8. References
- 21 CFR Part 211 – Current Good Manufacturing Practice for Finished Pharmaceuticals
- ICH Q7 – Good Manufacturing Practice for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients
- 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: Hygroscopic Material Identification Log
Date | Material Name | Batch Number | Storage Requirement | Identified By |
---|---|---|---|---|
10/02/2025 | Lactose Monohydrate | LM-2025-001 | Store with desiccants | Ravi Kumar |
Annexure-2: Desiccant Log
Date | Material Name | Desiccant Type | Quantity Used | Added By |
---|---|---|---|---|
10/02/2025 | Lactose Monohydrate | Silica Gel | 200g | Sunita Sharma |
Annexure-3: Packaging and Sealing Log
Date | Material Name | Container Type | Sealed By |
---|---|---|---|
10/02/2025 | Lactose Monohydrate | HDPE Drum | Anjali Mehta |
Annexure-4: Humidity Monitoring Log
Date | Storage Area | Humidity (%) | Recorded By |
---|---|---|---|
10/02/2025 | Hygroscopic Storage Room | 35% | Ravi Kumar |
Annexure-5: Temperature Monitoring Log
Date | Storage Area | Temperature (°C) | Recorded By |
---|---|---|---|
10/02/2025 | Hygroscopic Storage Room | 22°C | Sunita Sharma |
Annexure-6: Deviation Log
Date | Deviation | Action Taken | Reported By |
---|---|---|---|
09/02/2025 | Humidity exceeded 40% | Activated additional dehumidifier | Ravi Kumar |
Annexure-7: Corrective Action Log
Date | Issue | Corrective Action | Performed By |
---|---|---|---|
09/02/2025 | Humidity fluctuation detected | Replaced faulty hygrometer | Sunita Sharma |
Annexure-8: Desiccant Replacement Log
Date | Material Name | Desiccant Type | Replaced By |
---|---|---|---|
10/02/2025 | Lactose Monohydrate | Silica Gel | Ravi Kumar |
Annexure-9: Warehouse Inspection Log
Date | Area Inspected | Inspector | Findings | Corrective Actions |
---|---|---|---|---|
10/02/2025 | Hygroscopic Storage Room | Anjali Mehta | No deviations found | N/A |
Annexure-10: Compliance Audit Log
Date | Audit Type | Findings | Corrective Actions | Audited By |
---|---|---|---|---|
11/02/2025 | Hygroscopic Material Storage Compliance Audit | Compliant | N/A | Anjali Mehta |
Revision History:
Revision Date | Revision No. | Revision Details | Reason for Revision | Approved By |
---|---|---|---|---|
01/01/2024 | 1.0 | Initial Version | New SOP | QA Head |
10/02/2025 | 2.0 | Updated Storage Procedures and Documentation Formats | Regulatory Compliance | QA Head |