Standard Operating Procedure for Maintaining Emergency Exits and Fire Alarms in Storage Areas
| Department | Warehouse / Quality Assurance / Safety |
|---|---|
| SOP No. | SOP/RM/161/2025 |
| Supersedes | SOP/RM/161/2022 |
| Page No. | Page 1 of 12 |
| Issue Date | 30/03/2025 |
| Effective Date | 06/04/2025 |
| Review Date | 30/03/2026 |
1. Purpose
This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) outlines the processes for maintaining emergency exits and fire alarm systems in storage areas. The purpose is to ensure all emergency exits are accessible and functional, and fire alarms are operational to guarantee the safety of personnel and raw materials.
2. Scope
This SOP applies to all storage areas within the warehouse where raw materials are stored. It covers the inspection, testing, and maintenance of emergency exits, fire alarms, and related safety equipment.
3. Responsibilities
- Warehouse Personnel: Ensure that emergency exits are unobstructed and report any malfunctioning fire alarms immediately.
- Warehouse Supervisor: Oversee routine checks of emergency exits and fire alarms and ensure corrective actions are implemented when necessary.
- Quality Assurance (QA): Review inspection records and verify compliance with safety standards.
- Safety Officer: Conduct monthly audits of emergency exits and fire alarms and coordinate with external fire safety service providers for regular maintenance.
4. Accountability
The Warehouse Manager is accountable for ensuring that all emergency exits and fire alarms are functional and comply with safety regulations. The QA Manager is responsible for auditing safety procedures and ensuring compliance.
5. Procedure
5.1 Inspection and Maintenance of Emergency Exits
- Routine Inspections:
- Inspect all emergency exits weekly to ensure they are unobstructed, clearly marked, and accessible.
- Ensure that exit doors open easily from the inside without requiring keys or special tools.
- Document inspections in the Emergency Exit Inspection Log (Annexure-1).
- Maintenance Activities:
- Replace any damaged or missing exit signs immediately.
- Ensure that emergency lighting is functional during power outages by testing monthly.
- Document maintenance activities in the Exit Maintenance Log (Annexure-2).
5.2 Testing and Maintenance of Fire Alarm Systems
- Monthly Testing:
- Test all fire alarm systems monthly to ensure that alarms sound correctly in all areas of the warehouse.
- Record fire alarm testing results in the Fire Alarm Testing Log (Annexure-3).
- Annual Professional Maintenance:
- Coordinate with certified fire safety service providers for annual inspection and maintenance of fire alarm systems.
- Ensure that all faulty components are replaced promptly.
- Document professional maintenance in the Fire Alarm Maintenance Log (Annexure-4).
5.3 Corrective Actions for Non-Compliance
- Immediate Response:
- In case of non-functioning emergency exits or fire alarms, restrict warehouse operations until the issue is resolved.
- Quarantine hazardous materials if fire safety systems are compromised.
- Report all safety issues to the Warehouse Supervisor and Safety Officer immediately.
- Corrective Action Documentation:
- Document non-compliance issues and corrective actions in the Safety Non-Compliance Log (Annexure-5).
- Verify corrective actions through follow-up inspections and document them in the Corrective Action Log (Annexure-6).
5.4 Training and Emergency Drills
- Staff Training:
- Conduct fire safety and emergency exit training for all warehouse personnel quarterly.
- Ensure employees understand the location of emergency exits and how to respond to fire alarms.
- Document training activities in the Fire Safety Training Log (Annexure-7).
- Emergency Drills:
- Conduct fire evacuation drills every six months to test the effectiveness of emergency exits and fire alarm systems.
- Document drill outcomes and any identified issues in the Emergency Drill Log (Annexure-8).
6. Abbreviations
- SOP: Standard Operating Procedure
- GMP: Good Manufacturing Practice
- QA: Quality Assurance
- PPE: Personal Protective Equipment
7. Documents
- Emergency Exit Inspection Log (Annexure-1)
- Exit Maintenance Log (Annexure-2)
- Fire Alarm Testing Log (Annexure-3)
- Fire Alarm Maintenance Log (Annexure-4)
- Safety Non-Compliance Log (Annexure-5)
- Corrective Action Log (Annexure-6)
- Fire Safety Training Log (Annexure-7)
- Emergency Drill Log (Annexure-8)
8. References
- 21 CFR Part 211 – Current Good Manufacturing Practice for Finished Pharmaceuticals
- NFPA 101 – Life Safety Code
- OSHA Standards for Fire Safety and Emergency Preparedness
9. SOP Version
Version: 2.0
10. Approval Section
| Prepared By | Checked By | Approved By | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Signature | |||
| Date | |||
| Name | |||
| Designation | |||
| Department |
Annexure-1: Emergency Exit Inspection Log
| Date | Exit Location | Inspection Findings | Inspected By |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30/03/2025 | North Storage Exit | Clear, unobstructed, functional | Ravi Kumar |
| 30/03/2025 | South Loading Dock Exit | Exit sign light not functional | Neha Verma |
Annexure-2: Exit Maintenance Log
| Date | Exit Location | Maintenance Performed | Performed By |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30/03/2025 | South Loading Dock Exit | Replaced faulty exit sign bulb | Amit Joshi |
Annexure-3: Fire Alarm Testing Log
| Date | Alarm Location | Test Result | Tested By |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30/03/2025 | Main Warehouse Area | Functional | Priya Singh |
| 30/03/2025 | North Storage Section | Low battery warning detected | Ravi Kumar |
Annexure-4: Fire Alarm Maintenance Log
| Date | Alarm Location | Maintenance Activity | Performed By |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30/03/2025 | North Storage Section | Replaced alarm battery | Phoenix Fire Safety Services |
Revision History:
| Revision Date | Revision No. | Revision Details | Reason for Revision | Approved By |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01/01/2024 | 1.0 | Initial Version | New SOP Implementation | QA Head |
| 30/03/2025 | 2.0 | Added Emergency Drill and Training Procedures | Enhance Fire Safety Compliance | QA Head |