Standard Operating Procedure for Validation of HVAC Systems in Gel Manufacturing Areas
| Department | Gel Manufacturing |
|---|---|
| SOP No. | SOP/GM/141/2025 |
| Supersedes | SOP/GM/141/2022 |
| Page No. | Page 1 of 11 |
| Issue Date | 09/06/2025 |
| Effective Date | 11/06/2025 |
| Review Date | 09/06/2027 |
1. Purpose
To establish a standard procedure for the validation of Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems installed in gel manufacturing areas to ensure they meet environmental control requirements critical for product quality and compliance.
2. Scope
This SOP applies to all HVAC systems supporting gel manufacturing areas including production, filling, packing, and storage rooms where controlled temperature, humidity, and air cleanliness are required.
3. Responsibilities
- Engineering Department: Coordinates and executes validation activities.
- QA Department: Reviews and approves validation protocols and reports.
- Validation Team: Conducts HVAC
performance qualification tests.
Manufacturing Department: Supports operational requirements and access to classified areas.
4. Accountability
The Head – Engineering Department is accountable for ensuring timely and compliant validation of HVAC systems in accordance with regulatory requirements and internal quality policies.
5. Procedure
5.1 Preparation of Validation Protocol
- Prepare the HVAC validation protocol in accordance with site validation master plan (VMP).
- Include system overview, risk assessment, test strategy, acceptance criteria, and schedule.
- Get the protocol reviewed by QA and approved before execution.
5.2 Validation Tests
- Airflow Velocity and Pattern Test: Verify laminar flow characteristics and directionality.
- HEPA Filter Integrity Test: Conduct DOP or PAO testing to ensure filter efficiency.
- Particle Count Test: Measure non-viable particulates per ISO Class guidelines.
- Temperature and Humidity Mapping: Monitor parameters at predefined locations over a defined duration.
- Differential Pressure Test: Confirm pressure gradients between classified areas.
- Recovery Test: Measure system’s ability to return to acceptable limits after a disturbance.
5.3 Execution of Validation
- Assign trained personnel to execute validation activities.
- Use calibrated instruments with current calibration certificates.
- Document observations, raw data, and deviations if any.
5.4 Report Preparation and Approval
- Compile validation data and compare results with acceptance criteria.
- Highlight any non-conformances and corrective actions taken.
- Submit the report to QA for final review and approval.
5.5 Revalidation Criteria
- Perform revalidation upon major equipment modification, relocation, or after maintenance affecting performance.
- Revalidate every 3 years or as per risk assessment and regulatory expectations.
6. Abbreviations
- HVAC: Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
- HEPA: High Efficiency Particulate Air
- DOP: Dioctyl Phthalate
- PAO: Polyalphaolefin
- QA: Quality Assurance
7. Documents
- HVAC Validation Protocol – Annexure-1
- HVAC Validation Report – Annexure-2
- Calibration Certificates of Instruments – Annexure-3
8. References
- WHO TRS 961 Annex 6: HVAC Systems – Design Qualification and Validation
- EU GMP Annex 1: Manufacture of Sterile Medicinal Products
- ISO 14644-1: Cleanrooms and associated controlled environments
9. SOP Version
Version: 2.0
10. Approval Section
| Prepared By | Checked By | Approved By | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Signature | |||
| Date | |||
| Name | |||
| Designation | Jr. Production Chemist | QA Executive | Head – Manufacturing |
| Department | Gel Manufacturing | Quality Assurance | Manufacturing |
11. Annexures
Annexure-1: HVAC Validation Protocol Format
| Protocol No. | |
|---|---|
| Location | |
| System Description | |
| Test Parameters | |
| Acceptance Criteria | |
| Execution Schedule | |
| Prepared By | |
| Reviewed By | |
| Approved By |
Annexure-2: HVAC Validation Report Template
| Protocol No. | |
|---|---|
| Date of Execution | |
| Test Summary | |
| Observations | |
| Deviations Noted | |
| Conclusion | |
| Prepared By | |
| Reviewed By | |
| Approved By |
Annexure-3: Calibration Certificate Register
| Instrument Name | Make/Model | Serial No. | Calibration Due Date | Attached (Yes/No) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Revision History
| Revision Date | Revision No. | Change Description | Reason | Approved By |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18/05/2022 | 1.0 | Initial version | New SOP | QA Head |
| 09/06/2025 | 2.0 | Updated protocol and test formats | Routine revision | QA Head |