SOP for Warehouse Organization Based on Material Classification – V 2.0
Standard Operating Procedure for Warehouse Organization Based on Material Classification
Department |
Warehouse / Quality Assurance / Safety |
SOP No. |
SOP/RM/184/2025 |
Supersedes |
SOP/RM/184/2022 |
Page No. |
Page 1 of 15 |
Issue Date |
19/04/2025 |
Effective Date |
26/04/2025 |
Review Date |
19/04/2026 |
1. Purpose
This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) outlines the method for organizing raw materials in the warehouse based on material classification to enhance safety, ensure compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and improve operational efficiency.
2. Scope
This SOP applies to all personnel involved in the receipt, storage, and handling of raw materials, including APIs, excipients, solvents, hazardous materials, and temperature-sensitive materials in the warehouse.
3. Responsibilities
- Warehouse Personnel: Ensure materials are stored in designated areas based on their classification and update storage records accordingly.
- Quality Assurance (QA) Team: Verify that storage practices comply with GMP and conduct routine audits of warehouse organization.
- Safety Team: Ensure proper safety measures are implemented based on material classification, including segregation of hazardous materials.
4. Accountability
The Warehouse Manager is accountable for the correct classification and storage of materials, the QA Manager ensures compliance with regulatory requirements, and the Safety Officer oversees adherence to safety protocols.
5. Procedure
5.1 Material Classification
- Material Categories:
- Classify materials into categories such as APIs, excipients, solvents, flammable materials, temperature-sensitive materials, and hazardous chemicals.
- Document material classification in the Material Classification Log (Annexure-1).
- Labeling and Identification:
- Use color-coded labels and clear signage to identify material categories and storage areas.
- Record labeling details in the Material Labeling Log (Annexure-2).
5.2 Warehouse Zoning and Organization
- Designating Storage Zones:
- Allocate specific zones for each material category, ensuring compliance with regulatory guidelines for segregation.
- Document zoning plans in the Warehouse Zoning Log (Annexure-3).
- Storage Layout:
- Ensure proper shelving, racking, and spacing to prevent cross-contamination and ensure material stability.
- Record layout details in the Storage Layout Log (Annexure-4).
5.3 Safety and Compliance Measures
- Hazardous Material Handling:
- Store hazardous materials in dedicated, well-ventilated areas with appropriate safety signage.
- Document safety measures in the Hazardous Material Safety Log (Annexure-5).
- Temperature and Humidity Control:
- Maintain specified environmental conditions for sensitive materials and regularly monitor storage parameters.
- Record environmental control activities in the Environmental Monitoring Log (Annexure-6).
5.4 Documentation and Review
- Regular Audits:
- Conduct quarterly audits of warehouse organization and material classification compliance.
- Document audit findings in the Warehouse Audit Log (Annexure-7).
- Record Keeping:
- Maintain comprehensive records of material classification, storage zones, and safety compliance.
- Record updates in the Record Keeping Log (Annexure-8).
5.5 Training and Continuous Improvement
- Personnel Training:
- Conduct training sessions on warehouse organization principles and safety protocols based on material classification.
- Document training sessions in the Training Log (Annexure-9).
6. Abbreviations
- SOP: Standard Operating Procedure
- GMP: Good Manufacturing Practice
- QA: Quality Assurance
- API: Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient
7. Documents
- Material Classification Log (Annexure-1)
- Material Labeling Log (Annexure-2)
- Warehouse Zoning Log (Annexure-3)
- Storage Layout Log (Annexure-4)
- Hazardous Material Safety Log (Annexure-5)
- Environmental Monitoring Log (Annexure-6)
- Warehouse Audit Log (Annexure-7)
- Record Keeping Log (Annexure-8)
- Training Log (Annexure-9)
8. References
- 21 CFR Part 211 – Current Good Manufacturing Practice for Finished Pharmaceuticals
- WHO Good Storage Practices for Pharmaceuticals
- OSHA Guidelines on Warehouse Safety
9. SOP Version
Version: 2.0
10. Approval Section
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Prepared By |
Checked By |
Approved By |
Signature |
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Date |
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Name |
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Designation |
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Department |
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Annexure-1: Material Classification Log
Date |
Material Name |
Classification |
Classified By |
19/04/2025 |
API X |
Temperature-Sensitive |
Ravi Kumar |
Annexure-2: Material Labeling Log
Date |
Material Name |
Label Type |
Labeled By |
19/04/2025 |
API X |
Red (Flammable) |
Neha Verma |
Annexure-3: Warehouse Zoning Log
Date |
Zone Name |
Material Category |
Assigned By |
19/04/2025 |
Zone A |
APIs |
Amit Joshi |
Annexure-4: Storage Layout Log
Date |
Storage Area |
Layout Description |
Configured By |
19/04/2025 |
Zone A |
Racking System with 1-meter spacing |
Kiran Patel |
Annexure-5: Hazardous Material Safety Log
Date |
Material Name |
Safety Measures Implemented |
Verified By |
19/04/2025 |
Solvent Y |
Stored in explosion-proof cabinet |
QA Supervisor |
Annexure-6: Environmental Monitoring Log
Date |
Zone |
Temperature (°C) |
Humidity (%) |
Checked By |
19/04/2025 |
Zone B |
22°C |
45% |
Ajay Sharma |
Annexure-7: Warehouse Audit Log
Date |
Audit Area |
Findings |
Audited By |
19/04/2025 |
Hazardous Materials |
No issues found |
QA Head |
Annexure-8: Record Keeping Log
Date |
Document Name |
Status |
Updated By |
19/04/2025 |
Material Classification Log |
Updated |
Sanjay Mehta |
Annexure-9: Training Log
Date |
Employee Name |
Training Topic |
Trainer |
Remarks |
19/04/2025 |
Ravi Kumar |
Material Classification and Storage |
QA Manager |
Completed Successfully |
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 |
19/04/2025 |
2.0 |
Updated warehouse zoning and classification protocols. |
Regulatory Update |
QA Head |