Standard Operating Procedure for Electrical Safety Checks for Cream Processing Equipment
Department | Creams |
---|---|
SOP No. | SOP/CRM/099/2025 |
Supersedes | SOP/CRM/099/2022 |
Page No. | Page 1 of 6 |
Issue Date | 21/01/2026 |
Effective Date | 26/01/2026 |
Review Date | 21/01/2027 |
1. Purpose
The purpose of this SOP is to outline the procedure for performing electrical safety checks on cream processing equipment. This ensures that all equipment is operating safely, reducing the risk of electrical hazards and ensuring the safety of personnel.
2. Scope
This SOP applies to all cream processing equipment in the Creams Department that operates on electricity, including mixers, pumps, filling machines, and other electrical systems. It covers procedures for electrical inspections, checks, and maintenance to ensure the equipment is safe for operation.
3. Responsibilities
- Maintenance Team: Responsible for performing electrical safety checks and ensuring that all electrical components of the equipment are functioning properly and safely.
- Production Team: Responsible for reporting any electrical issues or hazards encountered during the operation of the equipment.
- Quality Control (QC): Ensures that electrical safety checks are performed regularly and verifies that equipment meets the safety standards required for production.
4. Accountability
The Maintenance Manager is accountable for ensuring that electrical safety checks are conducted according to this SOP. The Head of Production is responsible for ensuring that the equipment is safe and compliant with all electrical safety standards before being used for production.
5. Procedure
5.1 Pre-Operation Electrical Safety Checks
- Ensure that the cream processing equipment is turned off and disconnected from the power supply before performing any safety checks.
- Visually inspect the electrical components of the equipment for any visible damage, such as frayed wires, exposed electrical connections, or signs of overheating.
- Check the power cables and plugs for any visible damage or wear. Ensure that the electrical cords are properly insulated and grounded.
- Ensure that all circuit breakers, fuses, and electrical safety switches are in place and functioning properly.
- Verify that the equipment is properly grounded and that the grounding system is intact.
5.2 Inspection of Electrical Connections
- Inspect all electrical connections for tightness and integrity. Loose connections can lead to electrical arcing or overheating, which can cause equipment failure or pose a safety risk.
- Ensure that all electrical components are properly mounted and secured, with no exposed wires or loose connections.
- Test the electrical continuity of the wiring to ensure there are no open circuits or faults in the electrical system.
5.3 Checking Electrical Safety Devices
- Inspect the safety devices, including fuses, circuit breakers, and residual current devices (RCDs), to ensure that they are operational and not damaged.
- Test the circuit breakers to confirm they are set to trip at the correct amperage, in line with the equipment’s electrical requirements.
- Check that emergency stop buttons, safety interlocks, and other safety mechanisms are functioning correctly and can be easily accessed in case of an emergency.
5.4 Testing Electrical Equipment Performance
- Once all electrical checks are completed, power on the equipment and perform functional tests to ensure the equipment operates within normal parameters.
- Monitor the equipment for any unusual sounds, smells, or electrical malfunctions during operation, such as overheating or electrical sparks.
- Measure the electrical current draw of the equipment to ensure it is operating within the specified limits. If the equipment is drawing more current than expected, this may indicate a fault or problem with the electrical components.
- Inspect any electrical panels, switches, and control systems to ensure they are functioning as intended.
5.5 Post-Operation Electrical Safety Checks
- After the production run, turn off the equipment and disconnect it from the power supply.
- Visually inspect the electrical components again for any signs of wear, overheating, or damage caused by the operation.
- Ensure that all electrical safety devices are reset and properly functioning for the next operation.
5.6 Corrective Actions for Identified Issues
- If any electrical faults are detected during the safety check, stop the equipment and report the issue to the maintenance team immediately.
- Replace any damaged electrical components, such as wires, plugs, fuses, or circuit breakers, following the manufacturer’s recommendations and using only approved replacement parts.
- Document all corrective actions taken, including repairs and replacements, in the Electrical Maintenance Log (Annexure-1).
5.7 Documentation
- Record all electrical safety check results in the Electrical Safety Log (Annexure-2), including the date, time, equipment checked, and any issues encountered during the inspection.
- Document any corrective actions or repairs made during the inspection in the Electrical Maintenance Log (Annexure-1).
5.8 Final Approval
- The QA team must review the electrical safety check logs to verify that all equipment meets the required electrical safety standards before it is used in production.
- Any equipment that fails the electrical safety check must be repaired, tested, and verified by the maintenance team before it is approved for use in the production line.
6. Abbreviations
- GMP: Good Manufacturing Practices
- QC: Quality Control
- QA: Quality Assurance
- PPE: Personal Protective Equipment
7. Documents
- Annexure-1: Electrical Maintenance Log
- Annexure-2: Electrical Safety Log
8. References
- Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Guidelines – 21 CFR Part 211
- International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH) Q7 – Good Manufacturing Practice for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients
- OSHA Electrical Safety Standards
- Manufacturer’s Manual for Electrical Equipment
9. SOP Version
Version: 2.0
10. Approval Section
Prepared By | Checked By | Approved By | |
---|---|---|---|
Signature | |||
Date | |||
Name | |||
Designation | |||
Department |
11. Annexures
Annexure-1: Electrical Maintenance Log
Equipment ID | Maintenance Date | Maintenance Type | Operator | Comments |
---|---|---|---|---|
EQP-001 | 21/01/2026 | Inspection, replacement of fuses | John Doe | Successfully completed maintenance |
Annexure-2: Electrical Safety Log
Equipment ID | Safety Check Date | Operator | Results | Comments |
---|---|---|---|---|
EQP-001 | 21/01/2026 | Jane Smith | Passed | No issues detected |
Revision History:
Revision Date | Revision No. | Revision Details | Reason for Revision | Approved By |
---|---|---|---|---|
01/03/2024 | 1.0 | Initial Version | New SOP Creation | QA Head |
01/03/2025 | 2.0 | Format Revision and Updates | Standardization of Document | QA Head |