SOP Guide for Pharma

SOP for Storage of Hygroscopic Raw Materials with Desiccants – V 2.0

SOP for Storage of Hygroscopic Raw Materials with Desiccants – V 2.0

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

  1. 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

    1. 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).
    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

    1. 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).
    2. 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

    1. 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).
    2. 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

    1. 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

    1. 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).
    2. 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

    1. Hygroscopic Material Identification Log (Annexure-1)
    2. Desiccant Log (Annexure-2)
    3. Packaging and Sealing Log (Annexure-3)
    4. Humidity Monitoring Log (Annexure-4)
    5. Temperature Monitoring Log (Annexure-5)
    6. Deviation Log (Annexure-6)
    7. Corrective Action Log (Annexure-7)
    8. Desiccant Replacement Log (Annexure-8)
    9. Warehouse Inspection Log (Annexure-9)
    10. 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
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