Standard Operating Procedure for Cleaning Nebulizer Solution Mixing Equipment

1) Purpose

The purpose of this SOP is to define the process for cleaning nebulizer solution mixing equipment to ensure compliance with hygiene standards, avoid cross-contamination, and maintain product quality.

2) Scope

This SOP applies to all mixing tanks, agitators, pipelines, and associated equipment used for preparing nebulizer solutions within the facility.

3) Responsibilities

Operators: Perform routine cleaning activities as per the defined procedure.
Maintenance Team: Inspect and repair equipment if required during cleaning activities.
Quality Assurance (QA): Validate and approve cleaning records.
Supervisors: Ensure cleaning is conducted as per schedule and procedures.

4) Procedure

4.1 Pre-Cleaning Activities

• Ensure the mixing equipment is powered off and disconnected from any electrical supply.
• Verify that the equipment is empty of any residual solution or material.
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, goggles, and aprons.
• Review cleaning requirements and gather necessary cleaning tools, detergents, and sanitizers.

4.2 Cleaning Steps

4.2.1 Cleaning the Mixing Tank

• Rinse the interior of the mixing tank with warm water to remove loose residues.
• Prepare a cleaning solution using an approved detergent at the recommended concentration.
• Scrub the tank’s inner surfaces, including corners and crevices, using soft brushes or cleaning pads.
• Rinse the tank thoroughly with deionized water to remove detergent residues.
• Conduct a final rinse with purified water and allow the tank to air dry or dry with filtered compressed air.

4.2.2 Cleaning the Agitator

• Disassemble removable parts of the agitator as per the equipment manual.
• Soak the components in the prepared cleaning solution for the recommended time.
• Scrub each component with a soft brush and rinse with purified water.
• Dry the parts thoroughly and reassemble them into the mixing tank.

4.2.3 Cleaning Pipelines and Valves

• Flush the pipelines and valves with warm water to remove any residual product.
• Circulate the cleaning solution through the pipelines for the prescribed duration.
• Rinse with deionized water until no traces of detergent are observed.
• Conduct a final rinse with purified water to ensure cleanliness.

4.3 Post-Cleaning Activities

• Inspect all cleaned equipment to ensure no visible residues or detergent traces remain.
• Label the equipment as “Cleaned” and log the cleaning details in the Cleaning Log.
• Store cleaning tools and materials in designated areas.
• Submit the cleaning record to QA for validation and approval.

4.4 Frequency of Cleaning

• Routine Cleaning: After every batch.
• Deep Cleaning: Weekly or as specified in the cleaning schedule.
• Cleaning After Maintenance: Post-repair or modification of equipment.

4.5 Handling Cleaning Failures

• Report any cleaning failures, such as visible residues or contamination, to the supervisor immediately.
• Document the issue in the Cleaning Failure Report.
• Repeat the cleaning process and escalate persistent issues to the maintenance team.

4.6 Safety Precautions

• Ensure proper ventilation in the cleaning area to avoid exposure to fumes from cleaning agents.
• Use only approved detergents and sanitizers to prevent equipment damage.
• Handle cleaning equipment carefully to avoid personal injury or equipment damage.

5) Abbreviations

• QA: Quality Assurance
• PPE: Personal Protective Equipment

6) Documents

The following documents should be maintained:

• Cleaning Log
• Cleaning Schedule
• Cleaning Failure Report

7) References

Relevant regulatory guidelines and references include:

• ISO 13485: Medical Devices Quality Management Systems
• Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Guidelines
• Equipment Manufacturer’s Manual

8) SOP Version

Version: 1.0

Annexure

Annexure Title: Cleaning Log

Date	Equipment ID	Cleaning Method	Performed By	QA Approval	Remarks
DD/MM/YYYY	Equipment Identifier	Details of cleaning	Technician Name	QA Name	Details of activity

Annexure Title: Cleaning Schedule

Equipment ID	Cleaning Type	Frequency	Last Cleaned Date	Next Due Date
Equipment Identifier	Routine/Deep	Daily/Weekly	DD/MM/YYYY	DD/MM/YYYY

Annexure Title: Cleaning Failure Report

Date	Equipment ID	Issue Identified	Corrective Action	Performed By	QA Approval
DD/MM/YYYY	Equipment Identifier	Description of issue	Details of corrective action	Technician Name	QA Name