SOP for Conducting Final Leak Tests Before Packing
Department | Aerosol |
---|---|
SOP No. | SOP/Aerosol/095/2025 |
Supersedes | SOP/Aerosol/095/2022 |
Page No. | Page 1 of Y |
Issue Date | 06/02/2025 |
Effective Date | 16/02/2025 |
Review Date | 06/02/2028 |
1. Purpose
This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) outlines the process for conducting final leak tests on aerosol cans before packing. The objective is to ensure that all aerosol products are free from leaks and meet the required safety standards before being packed for shipment. Conducting leak tests helps prevent potential safety hazards and ensures that the product maintains its integrity during transportation and storage.
2. Scope
This SOP applies to all aerosol cans manufactured at [Company Name]. It covers the final leak testing process before the aerosol cans are packed into secondary packaging materials. This procedure ensures that all cans are leak-free and safe for consumer use.
3. Responsibilities
- Production Team: Responsible for preparing the aerosol cans for the final leak testing, ensuring that all cans are ready for testing before packing.
- Leak Test Team: Responsible for performing the final leak tests on the aerosol cans, documenting the test results, and ensuring that all cans pass the required leak standards.
- Quality Assurance (QA) Team: Responsible for verifying the leak test process, ensuring that the test is conducted properly, reviewing test results,
4. Accountability
The Manufacturing Manager is accountable for ensuring that all aerosol cans undergo a proper final leak test before packing. The overall compliance with this SOP is overseen by the Quality Assurance (QA) Manager.
5. Procedure
5.1. Preparation for Leak Testing
- The Leak Test Team will prepare the aerosol cans for testing by ensuring that all cans have been sealed and are ready for the final leak test.
- The cans should be visually inspected to ensure there are no obvious defects such as dents, cracks, or improper sealing before they undergo the leak test.
- All leak testing equipment must be calibrated and inspected according to the equipment calibration schedule. The Leak Testing Equipment Log (Annexure-1) should be checked for the most recent calibration and maintenance records.
5.2. Conducting the Leak Test
- The Leak Test Team will perform the final leak tests on a sample of aerosol cans. The tests should include:
- Pressure test: The cans will be subjected to a specified pressure to check for any signs of leakage. This may be done using automated pressure testing machines.
- Visual inspection: After pressure testing, the cans should be inspected for visible signs of leakage such as gas escaping or deformation.
- Sound test: If applicable, a sound test may be performed by using an acoustic detector to identify any hissing sound caused by gas escaping from a can.
- Any cans failing the leak test should be segregated and the failure documented in the Leak Test Failure Log (Annexure-2). The cans should not proceed to the packing stage.
- If the failure rate exceeds acceptable levels, the testing procedure should be reviewed, and corrective actions should be taken as per the Corrective Action Log (Annexure-3).
5.3. Post-Test Inspection and Documentation
- After testing, the Leak Test Team will perform a final inspection to ensure that all cans passing the leak test are properly labeled and free from any other defects. Cans passing the test will be approved for packing.
- All results of the leak test, including passed and failed cans, should be documented in the Leak Test Log (Annexure-4). This log should include details such as batch number, test date, operator name, and any corrective actions taken.
- The Leak Test Team should ensure that all documents are completed and signed before the cans are moved to the next stage of production.
5.4. Approval for Packing
- Once the leak test has been completed and the cans have passed the test, the QA team will review the test results and approve the cans for packing. The cans will then be moved to the packaging area for secondary packaging.
- If any cans fail the leak test, the QA team will ensure that corrective actions are taken before further production continues. The non-compliant cans should be documented in the Deviation Log (Annexure-5).
5.5. Documentation and Record Keeping
- All leak testing activities must be documented to ensure traceability and compliance. Documentation should include:
- Leak Test Failure Log (Annexure-2)
- Leak Test Log (Annexure-4)
- Deviation Log (Annexure-5)
- Corrective Action Log (Annexure-3)
- All records should be signed and dated by the personnel involved in the testing process. The records should be stored in the document management system for future reference and audits.
- Leak testing records must be retained for a minimum of 3 years or as required by regulatory guidelines.
5.6. Reporting and Compliance
- If any issues or non-compliances are identified during the leak test, the Leak Test Team must report them to the QA Manager immediately. The QA team will ensure that the issue is investigated, and corrective actions are implemented if necessary.
- The QA team will review the leak testing process during internal audits to ensure ongoing compliance with GMP and regulatory standards.
6. Abbreviations
- GMP: Good Manufacturing Practice
- QC: Quality Control
- PPE: Personal Protective Equipment
- SOP: Standard Operating Procedure
- QA: Quality Assurance
7. Documents
- Leak Testing Equipment Log (Annexure-1)
- Leak Test Failure Log (Annexure-2)
- Corrective Action Log (Annexure-3)
- Leak Test Log (Annexure-4)
- Deviation Log (Annexure-5)
8. References
This SOP is based on the following regulatory guidelines and industry standards:
- Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Guidelines
- FDA Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 21, Part 211
- ISO 9001:2015 – Quality Management Systems
9. SOP Version
Version: 2.0
10. Approval Section
Prepared By | Checked By | Approved By | |
---|---|---|---|
Signature | |||
Date | |||
Name | |||
Designation | |||
Department |
11. Annexures
Annexure-1: Leak Testing Equipment Log
Equipment ID | Calibration Date | Maintenance Date | Operator Name | Remarks |
---|---|---|---|---|
LE-001 | 05/02/2025 | 04/02/2025 | Rajesh Patel | Calibrated and ready for use |
Annexure-2: Leak Test Failure Log
Batch Number | Test Type | Test Result | Action Taken | Responsible Person |
---|---|---|---|---|
Batch-001 | Pressure test | Fail | Replaced defective cans | Rajesh Patel |
Annexure-3: Corrective Action Log
Deviation ID | Corrective Action | Implementation Date | Responsible Person | Outcome |
---|---|---|---|---|
DEV-12345 | Re-calibrated leak testing equipment | 07/02/2025 | Rajesh Patel | Completed, verified |
Annexure-4: Leak Test Log
Batch Number | Test Date | Test Type | Result | Operator Name |
---|---|---|---|---|
Batch-001 | 10/02/2025 | Pressure test | Pass | Rajesh Patel |
Annexure-5: Deviation Log
Deviation ID | Deviation Description | Corrective Action | Responsible Person | Status |
---|---|---|---|---|
DEV-12345 | Leaky valve | Replaced valve on affected cans | Rajesh Patel | Completed |
12. Revision History:
Revision Date | Revision No. | Revision Details | Reason for Revision | Approved By | Page No. | Ref. Point No. | Details of Revision |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
01/01/2024 | V 1.0 | Initial Release | First Issue | Anjali Sharma | Page 1 | [Ref Point] | First Release |
01/01/2025 | V 2.0 | Updated leak testing procedure | To comply with updated GMP regulations | Anjali Sharma | Page 1 | [Ref Point] | Updated procedures |